Which gender pattern was observed in imitation of physical aggression?

Which gender pattern was observed in imitation of physical aggression?

• A. Girls imitated physical aggression more
• B. No gender differences in imitation
• C. Boys imitated verbal aggression more
• D. Boys imitated physical aggression more

Answer: (D)

The core idea here is how children learn what to imitate through observing others, and how gender norms shape what behaviors are copied. When children see physical aggression modeled, boys are more likely to reproduce those physical acts than girls. This fits with social learning processes—attention to the model, identification with the model (often a same-sex model), and the perceived acceptability of physical aggression for boys within many cultures. Girls may imitate aggression in less physical ways or be less inclined to imitate physical acts due to social expectations, which is why the pattern shows boys imitating physical aggression more.

The core idea here is how children learn what to imitate through observing others, and how gender norms shape what behaviors are copied. When children see physical aggression modeled, boys are more likely to reproduce those physical acts than girls. This fits with social learning processes—attention to the model, identification with the model (often a same-sex model), and the perceived acceptability of physical aggression for boys within many cultures. Girls may imitate aggression in less physical ways or be less inclined to imitate physical acts due to social expectations, which is why the pattern shows boys imitating physical aggression more.