The Effect of Interpersonal Attraction on Manipulatory Curiosity in Preschool Children

Twenty-four 3- and 4-year-old boys and girls were assigned to either a high or low curiosity group on the basis of teacher's ratings. They were observed twice in dyads, once with a high and once with a low sociometric choice partner. A 2 (high vs. low curiosity) x 2 (3- vs. 4-year-old) x 2 (high vs. low choice partner) analysis of variance was used to analyze observations of the children's manipulatory behaviors in a novel setting. High-choice dyads exhibited greater manipulatory curiosity than low-choice pairs (p < .01) with 4-year-olds showing greater curiosity than 3-year-olds (p < .001). Teacher's ratings of curiosity did not discriminate between children on their observed curiosity. The possibility that interpersonal attraction (measured as sociometric choice) may operate as a stimulating condition leading to a heightened drive state could account for the increased manipulatory behaviors which were observed. Age effects were noted as they related to general increase in manipulatory behaviors. A need for alternatives to teacher's ratings was also noted.