Research article summary (published 29 Jun 2007):

Effects of naturally existing peer groups on changes in academic engagement in a cohort of sixth graders.

Full Abstract

This study examined the effects of peer groups on changes in academic engagement in 11- to 13-year-old children. From the entire cohort of 366 sixth graders in a town, 87% participated at the beginning and end of the school year. Peer groups were assessed using socio-cognitive mapping; as an indicator of motivation, teachers reported on students' classroom engagement. Peer groups were homogeneous in terms of engagement, and despite considerable member turnover across time, their motivational composition remained fairly intact. Peer group engagement levels in the fall predicted changes in children's motivation across time. Although the magnitude of effects was relatively small, evidence for group influences persisted when controlling for peer selection and the influence of teacher and parent involvement.

Author information

Author/s: Kindermann, Thomas A (TA);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Portland State University, OR 97207-0751, USA. kindermannt(-atsign-)pdx.edu

Grants: 1R15 HD37848-01 (Agency:NICHD NIH HHS) ; 1R15HD31687-01 (Agency:NICHD NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Child development (Child Dev), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2007 Jul-Aug; vol 78 (issue 4) : pp 1186-203

Dates: Created 2007/07/25; Completed 2007/10/18; Revised 2007/12/03;

PMID: 17650133, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Child Culture Educational Status Female Friends - psychology Humans Longitudinal Studies Male

Male Mathematics Motivation Peer Group Sex Factors Social Facilitation Social Identification Social Support Sociometric Techniques

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