Final answer:
Preschool children tend to decide who is 'mean' based on observed behaviors, peer influences, harm inflicted on others, and adherence to basic moral rules such as sharing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preschool children tend to decide who is 'mean' in several ways:
- They judge someone as 'mean' based on observed behaviors. For example, if a classmate consistently takes toys away from others, a preschooler may deem that behavior as 'mean.'
- They may rely on peer influences and social comparisons to make judgments. If the majority of their classmates label someone as 'mean,' a preschooler may follow suit.
- 'Meanness' is often linked to actions that directly harm others in a preschooler's view. For instance, if someone hits or pushes another child, a preschooler may perceive that as 'mean.'
- Preschoolers may use simple moral rules, such as sharing, to assess meanness. If someone refuses to share toys or take turns, a preschooler may view that as 'mean.'