Abstract
BLAKEMORE, JUDITH E. O. Age and Sex Differences in Interaction with a Human Infant. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1981, 52, 386-388. The purpose of this study was to examine sex differences in behaviors displayed toward an infant by subjects of various age groups. Preschoolers, preadolescents, and adults served as subjects and were videotaped during a period of individual interaction with a baby. 2 categories of behaviors were time sampled from the videotape: vocalizations and entertainment or play. Analysis of variance yielded a significant effect for age, with preschoolers showing less interaction than older subjects, and a significant sex difference. Males talked and played less with the baby than did females at all ages. The adult subjects' sex roles were measured with the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI). Analysis of variance using a median split on the two BSRI scales to produce sex-role groups did not detect any effect of sex-role on the behaviors directed toward the baby.
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