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A multivariate analysis of social dominance in children
Author(s) -
Gage Fred H.,
Lieberman Alicia F.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
aggressive behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.223
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1098-2337
pISSN - 0096-140X
DOI - 10.1002/1098-2337(1978)4:3<219::aid-ab2480040304>3.0.co;2-b
Subject(s) - dominance (genetics) , situational ethics , generalizability theory , multivariate statistics , principal component analysis , psychology , multivariate analysis , social psychology , developmental psychology , statistics , mathematics , biology , biochemistry , gene
The social dominance behavior of dyads of unacquainted, same‐sex 31/2 year‐olds was observed in a familiar laboratory playroom under two conditions: A free play situation and a situation where candy was introduced. In each of the two conditions, a principal components analysis was used to explore two issues: the usefulness of the multivariate approach in devising a definition of dominance, and the cross‐situational stability of the construct. In the free play session, the first principal component that emerged was consistent with a theoretical definition of dominance. This picture was disrupted by the introduction of candy in the second condition. However, a high correlation was found between the dominance hierarchies established in each situation. It was concluded that the multivariate analysis is a useful method for the study of dominance. The generalizability of social dominance across settings was discussed as a possible explanation for the high cross‐situational stability.