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This study aims to explore the Distinctiveness Effect in children's inferences, which is when individuals use the most distinct characteristic in making judgments about others. Understanding how children make inferences can provide insights into their conceptual development and shed light on stereotypes and prejudices.
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The Distinctiveness Effect in Children’s Inferences Tess Young University of North Carolina Wilmington
The importance of inferences • Inferences are a mechanism for quickly gaining knowledge about one’s world. • Social inferences lead to a greater insight into how people understand each other.
How do children make inductive inferences in social situations? • Distinctiveness Effect: when presented with 2 characteristics about a person, adults use the more distinct characteristic in making a decision about that person (Nelson & Miller, 1995). • I predict that children will show similar results in regards to making inferences about people.
Theoretical implications • Understanding the inferences that children make can lead to a greater understanding of children’s conceptual development
Empirical implications • The Distinctiveness Effect has never been empirically documented in children. • Knowing that children also use this mechanism would give insight into what children focus on when making judgments.
Practical implications • Knowing if children use the most distinctive trait when making judgments about people may lead to an understanding of stereotypes and prejudices.
Summary • Distinctiveness Effect in children’s inferences. • Honors Project; Defense Spring, 2007.