In a message dated 9/21/99 12:20:42 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<<But be sure to look at studies
that show a relationship between hormones and toy preferences. >>
I would like to second Dr. Kulig's suggestion. Though there is a correlation
for certain type of toys and gender, it is not clear if the reason for the
preference is due to learning or other factors (as Dr. Kulig suggested). In
fact, there is evidence that children prefer certain types of gender
stereotyped toys in the face of contingencies to the contrary. There is even
a John Stossel report that focuses a significant amount of time to this
issue, for what that is worth.
Your subject line suggests a predisposition toward a causal relationship that
may not be supportable. For example, it may be that the cognitive
differences you suggested are the cause of toy choices, rather than the
effect. It is increasingly important to differentiate between passive
acceptance of socially reinforced behaviors and active niche-picking.
RJ
