Question

What is effortful control? What child's game requires good use of it? What other child games can you think of that use it?

a) Effortful control is self-discipline; Simon Says requires it, and Red Light, Green Light also does.
b) Effortful control is physical strength; Hide and Seek requires it, and Tag also does.
c) Effortful control is memorization; Chess requires it, and Checkers also does.
d) Effortful control is creativity; Drawing requires it, and Reading also does.

Answer 1

Effortful control is the ability to regulate one's behavior and emotions, akin to self-discipline. The child's game 'Simon Says' and 'Red Light, Green Light' require good use of effortful control as children need to control their impulses and follow rules carefully to succeed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Effortful control is a term that refers to an individual's ability to regulate their behavior, thoughts, and emotions in a way that is conducive to achieving long-term goals. It encompasses qualities such as self-discipline, attentional control, and the ability to delay gratification. In reference to the student's question, the correct answer is 'a) Effortful control is self-discipline; Simon Says requires it, and Red Light, Green Light also does.' These games require the child to control their impulses, listen carefully, and act in accordance with the rules to succeed, thus utilizing and developing their effortful control. Other games that require effortful control include Memory, where a child must remember the locations of cards to make matches, and 'Mother, May I?', which requires children to listen to and follow specific instructions.

Games and activities that necessitate effortful control can be essential for a child's cognitive and social development. Playing these games helps children practice self-regulation, which can lead to better academic achievement, healthier social interactions, and greater success in adulthood, as evidenced by Mischel's marshmallow test studies.