Socialization factors in the cognitive style and play of young children

Abstract

This study identified preschool children’s social factors based on their cognitive style. Sex and age were also considered. Children’s cognitive style and play were assessed. Two dimensions of social behaviors in the different forms of play for field dependent (FD) and field independent (FI) children were identified through factor analysis. FD children engaged in more social activities and forms of play than did FI children. FD children, more than FI children, have more play behaviors, participate more in all the play areas, select social play areas, and engage more in associative play.