Abstract
Three studies were conducted to explore Chinese children’s understanding of shyness. In Study 1 (N = 174, M age = 10.18) interviews with Chinese children revealed a group of diverse attributes that characterized their conceptions of shyness. In Study 2 (N = 273, M age = 10.19) a rating procedure was used to identify attributes that were prototypical of a Chinese shy child. Study 3 (N = 216, M age = 10.24) explored the typology and dimensions underlying Chinese children’s descriptions of a shy child by asking them to compare and rate the similarity of shyness attributes derived in Study 1 and Study 2. The findings suggest that there are both cultural similarities and variations in children’s conceptions of shyness.
Recommended Citation
Xu, Yiyuan; Farver, Jo Ann M.; Yang, Yu; and Zeng, Qiang
(2008)
"Chinese Children’s Conceptions of Shyness:
A Prototype Approach,"
Merrill-Palmer Quarterly: Vol. 54:
Iss.
4, Article 6.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/mpq/vol54/iss4/6