Underestimation of Children's Preferences for Signals of Correctness Using Selective Learning

Abstract

Hypotheses investigated were that signals of correctness possess incentive properties and that selective learning underestimates incentive preferences. Forty middle-class fifth graders were divided into two groups. A competition group was presented with a selective learning task, with signals of correctness and pennies as competing incentives. As predicted, they preferred the signal of correctness over the penny. A signal of correctness group was given the same task but only signals of correctness as reward. As predicted, subjects exhibited better acquisition, yielded less impulsive choice times, and chose more signals of correctness than did the competitive group. Girls increased their choices of signals of correctness and yielded faster initial choice times than did boys, suggesting sex differences in preferences.