A Comparison of Fathers’ and Mothers’ Talk to Toddlers in Low‐income Families
Year: 2004
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive information about low‐income fathers’ and mothers’ talk to toddlers and to re‐examine the bridge hypothesis ( Gleason, 1975 ) in light of current changes in family structure and childcare responsibilities. Thirty‐three father–child and mother–child dyads were videotaped during semi‐structured free play at home. Fathers’ and mothers’ talk to children did not differ in amount, diversity of vocabulary, or linguistic complexity as measured by mean length of utterance. However, fathers produced more wh‐questions and explicit clarification requests, thus presenting more conversational challenges to children. Resident fathers employed more direct forms of prohibitives. Results suggest the need for closer examination of factors related to child‐directed speech in varying family configurations.
Source: Social Development
Institutions: University of Chicago, Harvard University
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2054520965