As Early as 3 Years of Age, Children Begin to Show

question 69

Essay

As early as 3 years of age, children begin to show preferences for playing with members of their own sex, and report having more same-sex than opposite-sex friends. In a study of 3rd and 4th graders' views on 48 personality traits, children were asked to rate on a "5-point" scale:
−2
= "someone possessing that trait is probably a boy"
−1
= "someone possessing that trait might be a boy"
0
= "can't tell"
1
= "someone possessing that trait might be a girl"
2
= "someone possessing that trait is probably a girl"
A plot of the data is presented below. A single point represents the (average girls' rating, average boys' rating) for a given trait. Linear Fit
MRating = −0.765 + 0.714 FRating ​ ​
a)Circle the single point which represents the most influential observation. What aspect of this point makes it the most influential?
b)Suppose a personality trait similar to those used in the survey were given a 0.0 rating ("can't tell") by the girls. The predicted boys' average rating would be closest to which of the 5 categories described above?
c)The traits plotted above are those the researchers believe are "positive" traits, such as "mature," "honest," and "polite." The researchers thought that girls would rate these positive traits as characteristic of girls to a greater extent than boys would. What aspects of the plot and/or regression analysis presented above are consistent with this thinking?

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Definitions:

Hawaiian Swordtail Crickets

A species or group of crickets native to Hawaii, known for unique traits such as their distinctive tail-like appendages.

Reproductive Barrier

Biological features or mechanisms that prevent species from breeding with each other, maintaining species distinctiveness.

Gametic Incompatibility

Occurs when sperm or pollen from one species fails to penetrate and fertilize the egg or ovule of another species.

Reproductive Isolation

A collection of mechanisms, behaviors, and physiological processes that prevent the members of two different species from producing offspring, or ensure any offspring are sterile.