Abstract
The current study investigates how typically developing preschool children perceive other children with disabilities. Participants include child subjects (n = 71) and college student subjects (n = 96). The first portion of the study utilizes picture sets to demonstrate visible disabilities and accompanying assistive devices. Picture set 1 includes a child in a wheelchair (physical disability), picture set 2 illustrates a girl with a visible hearing aid (sensory disability), and picture set 3 portrays a girl with physical, facial characteristics often associated with Down syndrome (developmental disability). Both child and college student participants were asked to identify any differences observed between two similar photos, one including a child with a disability described above. The second portion of the study required all participants to watch three short video clips of children participating in various peer-related activities. Video 1 illustrates a young girl with Down syndrome, video 2 includes a student in a motorized wheelchair, and video 3 demonstrates a boy with a visible hearing aid. Participants then assigned competency ratings in three different areas (running/climbing, completely their schoolwork, and making friends/having good friendships) on a scale of 1 (“really good”) to 4 (“not so good”). Results show that college students were significantly more likely to notice a difference related to the disability or the assistive device across all three picture sets compared to the child participants. Additionally, college students only presented significantly lower competency ratings than child participants in video 2, where the girl is in a wheelchair. Further research is needed to determine if preschool children notice behavioral differences between typically developing individuals and people with disabilities.
Advisor
Casey, Michael
Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Brugh, Aly M., "The Social Construct of Disability: Comparative Research Between Preschool Children and College Students" (2023). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11695.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11695
Disciplines
Child Psychology | Developmental Psychology | Disability Studies | Social Psychology
Publication Date
2023
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2023 Aly M. Brugh