Validation of a laboratory play measure of child aggression.

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Citation:

Johnston, A., DeLuca, D., Murtaugh, K., & Diener, E. (1977). Validation of a laboratory play measure of child aggression. Child Development, 48(1), 324-327.

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Abstract:

The validity of laboratory play measures of aggression has Ix-en called into question. Critics have charged that ial)oratory findings on childhood aggression cannot be generalized to everyday aggression. In the present study, the validity of striking a Bobo clown as a measure of aggression was assessed by correlating the rate of this behavior with peer ratings, teaching ratings, and self-ratings of aggressiveness in a preschool. Laboratory aggression correlated significantly with both peer ratings, r =^ .76, p < .01, and teacher ratings, r = .57, p < .05. but not with self-ratings, r •= .36. Laboratory aggression correlated more highly with aggressioii ratings for males (N = 9) than for females (,\' = 9). but not significantly so. The findings support the use of laboratory play as a valid measure of aggression in children.
 

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