Question

A child who is very active and enjoys the challenge of competing with others will be more likely to join an athletic team at school than to join the chorus or the French Club. This is an example of ______.

a) Self-regulation
b) Developmental stage theory
c) Niche-picking
d) Operant conditioning

Answer 1

The behavior of the child preferring competitive activities and Jose dressing for soccer practice relate to the concept of niche-picking and normative behavior, respectively. Both cases illustrate how individuals gravitate toward environments and behaviors that fit their personality and societal expectations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The child who is very active and enjoys competing with others is more likely to join an athletic team at school than to join the chorus or the French Club.

This behavior is an example of niche-picking, which refers to the tendency of people to choose environments that complement their heredity, personality, interests, and abilities. In the same vein, Jose's first day of soccer practice, where he dresses appropriately and joins his team, reflects normative behavior, as he's acting in a way that aligns with the expectations and norms of the soccer team context. Additionally, Erikson's theory of psychosocial development highlights that the main task of an adolescent is feeling competent, which can be fostered through participation in peer-group activities such as sports, where they can hone their skills and feel a sense of mastery.