Cheryl A. Kier

Preschool Sibling Interaction in Separated and Married Families: Are Same-sex Pairs or Older Sisters More Sociable?

Two factors have been associated with the quality of sibling relationships: the sex of the children and their family circumstances. Yet the data on each issue are complex. This study examines the sex constellations of sibling pairs in two groups, one of which had experienced a major family disruption (parental separation), with the aim of assessing both influences more fully. Two 1-hour home observations were conducted on 20 preschool sibling dyads of separated parents and 24 pairs in which the parents were married. In both groups the sex configuration of the sibling pairs was important--same-sex pairs seemed to show closer patterns of interaction, and sister-sister dyads were particularly prosocial. These results suggests that previous research showing that older sisters or same-sex pairs interact more are both partly correct. In addition, preschoolers from separated families interacted more. The results suggest that negative life experiences might promote greater closeness between siblings.

Music Preferences and Civic Activism of Young People.

This study examines the relationship between music preferences and civic activism among 182 participants aged 14–24 years. Our analyses show that participants who regularly listened to certain music genres such as classical, opera, musicals, new age, easy listening, house, world music, heavy metal, punk, and ska were significantly more likely to be engaged in civic activism than those who preferred other music genres. Previous literature had shown that political expression was associated with certain music genres, but our analysis provides empirical evidence that music genres associated with political expression are related to actual participation in civic activities, not just ideology. Discussion revolved around the importance of clustering music genres and music as part of youths’ lifestyles in the context of civic activism.

Debate as a Teaching Strategy in Online Education: A Case Study.

This reflective case study was based on our independent use of the debate as an online instructional approach and our shared interest in instructional techniques. Using narrative inquiry, we melded our data sources to analyze the findings, including our individual experiences with the technique. Our paper contributes to the field of research on instructional techniques (specifically debates), as well as online distance education. The findings suggest that the use of debates as instructional techniques in text-based paced and un-paced courses at the online undergraduate and graduate levels can contribute to improved learning outcomes and student satisfaction.

Music preferences and young people's attitudes towards spending and saving

We aimed to find patterns among young peoples music preferences in relation to their attitudes towards saving or spending money. Previous research found that certain music genres (e.g. rap and dance) are associated with impulsive behaviour and a pleasure-seeking lifestyle. Other music genres (e.g. classical and oldies) are associated with more adult-approved lifestyles, such as doing well in school. Our hypotheses predicted that those who regularly listened to ‘adult-approved’ music would be likely to save money. In contrast, youths who listened to ‘anti-authority’ music were expected to be more likely to spend their money impulsively. Using data collected from 178 individuals aged 14–24 through self-report surveys, principal component analysis was used to group music genres that measure the same underlying preference. Then regression analysis was applied to examine the relationship between music preferences and attitudes towards saving or spending money. Results revealed that participants who listened to hip-hop, rap, rhythm and blues, dance, house, electronic, industrial, techno and trance (many are anti-authority types of music) reported a tendency to spend money. Those who favoured classical, opera, musicals, big band, world music, oldies, contemporary rock and alternative music (many are adult-approved types of music) were more likely to save money.

Adult Outcomes of Being Raised by Grandmothers: Can Social Networks Play a Role?

Because grandmother caregivers are increasingly common, concern exists for children’s long-term well-being. Secondary analysis of a Canadian national survey revealed less life satisfaction but equal health limitations among this group at midlife. As predicted by resilience theory, those raised by grandmothers who had higher incomes had higher life satisfaction. Against prediction, social networks played no protective role, despite larger networks among the group raised by grandmothers. Results suggest that type of family of origin may set a person on a particular pathway that continues long term. Interventions encouraging greater use of social networks may be called for.