A cross-sectional study is a research approach where participants of differing ages are observed and compared, at a single point in time. For example, the topic being studied could be the amount of daily exercise one performs, and the age groups could be: youth, middle aged, and the elderly. Researchers would conduct this study of all three age groups at the same time.
b) Longitudinal studies …show more content…
Many skills are developed through the use of pretend play. According to Lauren Lowry, a Hanen Certified SLP, this type of play is critical for cognitive flexibility, development in language, and development in others’ perspectives. In the case of understanding teasing, the teasee must realize the teaser’s intentions. In role playing, children imagine what it is like to be in another person’s shoes. This is a great way to improve their abilities in looking into other perspectives. Through the language and cognitive skills they accumulate, the complexity of teasing will begin to make sense to them. Pretend play could help predict a child’s response to teasing in small ways, as mild teasing and pretend play are similar. Children can make up hundreds of different scenarios during their socio-dramatic play. They are all known to be fake and at times, overly dramatic. In children’s play, teasing can be demonstrated as well. The teasing they do is more obvious and enjoyable to them because it is something they understand. For example, one child could ask another child for the last toy cupcake, but his/her friend may hide it behind their backs and say “there are no more cupcakes!”, they are clearly teasing one another. Moments like these build up and prepare a child for more subtle forms of teasing in the …show more content…
Yes. Theory of mind can be fostered within children, however it takes time. In their early childhood, children begin to develop the skills to obtain theory of mind. However, this does not mean that they are able to fully take in this theory. As stated in Mercer’s claim 34, Michael was too young to be able to understand his grandmother’s complex perspective. In comparison, Michael’s views as a 4 year old is simpler. Theory of Mind is defined as the ability to apprehend one’s own mental states, as well as others, and to understand that others have different beliefs, desires, and perspectives. As mentioned in question 4, activities like role playing in the early stages of childhood and exposing children to new experiences, lays the foundation to the development of a child’s Theory of Mind. Their knowledge on this theory is not as abstract as an adult’s knowledge, however, children are able to display subtle signs of it. For example, when one child is crying from having their toy stolen, toddlers and preschoolers know to comfort the child by patting their heads or offering other toys. Having children slowly foster the concept of Theory of Mind is desirable because it allows them to see situations in different perspectives and it can ultimately be an advantage in the development of cognitive and social processing in ways such as: the development of empathy, problem solving, and communication, to name a