- Level: University Degree
- Subject: Biological Sciences
- Word count: 2362
A comparative, semi structured interview from two female participants, and how their age gap influences the focus of their self-descriptions based on Rosenbergs study of self-descriptions.
Extracts from this document...
Introduction
A comparative, semi structured interview from two female participants, and how their age gap influences the focus of their self-descriptions based on Rosenberg?s study of self-descriptions. Abstract This research was conducted into an investigation into the findings of Rosenberg (1979) in which he suggests that there is a developmental trend in the way children describe themselves which changes through stages with age. In a comparative study, semi structured interviews were carried out by The Open University on two female pupils of differing age. The interviews were transcribed and analysis was carried out in which the findings agreed with that of Rosenberg?s study. The results did show that the older female participant did use more self-descriptions that were in the category of character, relationships and inner qualities, whereas the younger participant used majority physical descriptions. The thematic analysis carried out which included a study of Rosenberg?s ?locus of self-knowledge? and other themes such as ?pride and shame?, did not agree with Rosenberg entirely. Introduction Piaget believed that children developed through stages and schemas. (Oates et al, 2005). Piaget?s theory was revolutionary in many respects. It recognised that children thought differently to adults. ...read more.
Middle
Character ? Descriptions that refer to personal characteristics, such as qualities of character, emotional characteristics and emotional control. Relationships ? Descriptions of self that refer to relationships with others. Inner ? Descriptions of self that refer to more private inner emotions, attitudes, wishes and secrets, only things the individual would know. The results were put into a pie chart to see if a developmental trend could be established. Thematic analysis was done to look at Rosenberg?s idea ?locus of self-knowledge?. Results A comparative analysis comparing one child against another, both children were female but of differing ages. The aim of the study by The Open University was to research Rosenberg?s theory of self-descriptions. Physical ? Annie used 56% physical statements, whereas Kirsty used 7%. Character ? Annie used 13% character statements and Kirsty used 27%. Relationships ? Annie used 6% relationship statements and Kirsty used 13%. Inner ? Annie used 25% inner statements and Kirsty used 53%. For a full breakdown of the results see appendix A and B. Locus of self-knowledge Rosenberg felt children developed an independent sense of self with age which is separate their parents or attachment figures. ...read more.
Conclusion
I would certainly think about how children now communicate, as much communication is done through technology such as email and mobile phones. Also look at how children?s everyday lives have progressed since Rosenberg?s study. There is more pressure today for children to fit in, where the right clothes which has a knock on effect with their confidence and supports Cooleys ?Looking Glass-Self? Theory. Looking at the categories Rosenberg used, I would look to use more defined categories that made coding easier and have more categories to get a better overall view. When interviewing the children, it may have been best to have a group discussion as children feel more comfortable with others peers and maybe more able to speak freely. In the Open University study conducted, It would have been beneficial to have been present at the interviews and had some input into the questions and got more involved. There was evidence overall to support Rosenberg?s finding but it has opened more questions and to get a complete picture, further research is required. Conclusion The aim of the study was to see if there was a developmental trend in Rosenberg?s categories of self-descriptions and also to investigate further his idea ?locus of self-knowledge?. The results did show there was a developmental trend but didn?t agree with his idea ?locus of self -knowledge?. ...read more.
The above preview is unformatted text
This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our University Degree Developmental Psychology section.
Found what you're looking for?
- Start learning 29% faster today
- 150,000+ documents available
- Just £6.99 a month
