Young children's sense of identity: Reading answers

The passage opens

Answers 14–26

1. 14

   an account of the method used by researchers in a particular study

   G Matching information

   Paragraph G describes the method used in the study: researchers put red powder on the children's noses and observed their responses.

   “In one experiment, Lewis and Brooks-Gunn (1979) dabbed some red powder on the noses of children who were playing in front of a mirror, and then observed how often they touched their noses.”

2. 15

   the role of imitation in developing a sense of identity

   C Matching information

   Paragraph C explains that parents imitate infants, providing them with information about the effects they can have on the world.

   “Many parents spend a lot of time, particularly in the early months, copying their infant's vocalizations and expressions.”

3. 16

   the age at which children can usually identify a static image of themselves

   G Matching information

   Paragraph G states that children usually recognize themselves visually around age two, matching the age in the question.

   “This recognition occurs around their second birthday.”

4. 17

   a reason for the limitations of scientific research into 'self-as-subject'

   D Matching information

   Paragraph D says research into the self-as-subject is limited because of communication difficulties.

   “Empirical investigations of the self-as-subject in young children are, however, rather scarce because of difficulties of communication”

5. 18

   reference to a possible link between culture and a particular form of behaviour

   H Matching information

   Paragraph H suggests that the link between self-awareness and ownership may be less marked in other societies, connecting culture with this behaviour.

   “Although it may be less marked in other societies, the link between the sense of 'self' and of 'ownership' is a notable feature of childhood in Western societies.”

6. 19

   examples of the wide range of features that contribute to the sense of 'self-as-object'

   E Matching information

   Paragraph E gives examples of both social roles and personal characteristics that contribute to the self-as-object.

   “it is made up of social roles (such as student, brother, colleague) and characteristics which derive their meaning from comparison or interaction with other people (such as trustworthiness, shyness, sporting ability).”

7. 20

   A sense of identity can never be formed without relationships with other people.

   D: Mead Matching features

   Mead argues that the self arises through social experience and cannot exist outside it, matching the idea that identity requires relationships with others.

   “The self is essentially a social structure, and it arises in social experience...it is impossible to conceive of a self arising outside of social experience.”

8. 21

   A child's awareness of self is related to a sense of mastery over things and people.

   B: Cooley Matching features

   Cooley links the self-as-subject to exercising power, including attempts to control objects and affect other people.

   “Cooley (1902) suggested that a sense of the self-as-subject was primarily concerned with being able to exercise power.”

9. 22

   At a certain age, children's sense of identity leads to aggressive behaviour.

   E: Bronson Matching features

   Bronson found that children's anger and frustration in disagreements increased sharply between ages one and two, matching the finding about aggressive behaviour.

   “Bronson (1975) found that the intensity of the frustration and anger in their disagreements increased sharply between the ages of 1 and 2 years.”

10. 23

    Observing their own reflection contributes to children's self awareness.

    C: Lewis and Brooks-Gunn Matching features

    Lewis and Brooks-Gunn connect seeing one's own reflection move with growing awareness of being distinct from others.

    “Lewis and Brooks-Gunn (1979) suggest that infants' developing understanding that the movements they see in the mirror are contingent on their own, leads to a growing awareness that they are distinct from other people.”

11. 24

    mirror Note completion

    The passage describes children looking in mirrors, where the movements they see depend on their own movements. The one-word answer is “mirror.”

    “young children enjoy looking in mirrors”

12. 25

    communication Note completion

    The passage says research into the self-as-subject is limited because of communication difficulties. The required word is “communication.”

    “because of difficulties of communication”

13. 26

    ownership Note completion

    The passage links self-awareness in Western societies with ownership, which can lead to disputes. The required word is “ownership.”

    “the link between the sense of 'self' and of 'ownership' is a notable feature of childhood in Western societies.”

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