Birth order and cooperativeness: peer ratings.

Abstract

Considerable research has been directed at exploring the relationship between birth order and personality (Schachter, 1959; Warren, 1966). Firstborns, more than Ss in any other ordinal position, share a number of diverse social and personality characteristics. Alms (1966) mentioned Dean has noted the greater tendency of the firstborn to cooperate. The present study was designed to examine in more detail the predicted relationship between ordinal position and cooperativeness. Cooperativeness, it was felt, should be assessed through peer rating since peers' impressions are free from the social obligations imposed by adults. However, cooperativeness is difficult to assess without some standard of comparison. Undergraduate dormitory counselors, because of their role, should have standards for cooperativeness and thus were asked to conduct the ratings. Two male and two female undergraduate dormitory counselors rated each of the students on their respective residence floors for cooperativeness (0 to 100%). After these ratings were made each S's ordinal position was obtained. A total of 11 1 undergraduates were rated in this manner. Preliminary analyses indicated that there were no sex differences in the ratings and the data were combined. There were 50 first- or only borns and 61 later borns. The mean cooperativeness rating for the firstborns was 69.62 (SD = 29.03) while that for later borns was 74.70 (SD = 21.15). t tests computed on the ratings for the two groups showed no significant differences in cooperation of first- and later borns (t = 1.06; df = 110; 9 > .15). These results, unlike prior research (Alms, 1966) clearly indicated no relationship between ordinal position and cooperativeness. Peers in a semi-adult role did not perceive any differences in cooperativeness between first- and later borns. Two interpretations are possible. Perhaps adults hold more stringent standards for cooperation than present raters. That is, the dormitory counselors were not as sensitive to differences in cooperation as adults might have been and thus relationships may have been masked. A second alternative can also be suggtsted. Firstborns may place greater emphasis on cooperating with adults than with their peers, even though the peers function somewhat like adults. That is, firstborns are especially sensitive to differences between peers and adults in a supervisory role and make sharp distinctions in their own behavior as a result. Additional support for this interpretation is provided by studies showing the susceptibility of the firstborn to social pressure, especially in the presence of adults (Capra & Dittes, 1962; McArthur, 1956; Warren, 1966). The present results suggest the relationship between the informant or rater and the firstborn should be considered as an important source of variability when assessing the relationship between ordinal position and other psychological characteristics. Moreover, the statement that firstborns are more cooperative appears to need some qualification.