Blokland, Nynke (2022) Beloningsgevoeligheid en optimisme bij kinderen van 6 en 7 jaar oud. Bachelor thesis, Pedagogical and Educational Sciences.
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Abstract
In this bachelor thesis the relationship between reward sensitivity and optimism was examined for children from 6 and 7 years old. This was the first time this relationship has been examined. People who are sensitive to rewards are more focused on positive information. This also applies for people who are optimistic. Therefore, it was expected that the higher the level of reward sensitivity, the higher the level of optimism within a child. Different constructs of reward sensitivity were assessed by reward learning and emotional reactions on rewards. Reward learning was measured by a Gold Coin Task. Children had to collect gold coins under rocks and it was examined to what extent children were able to adjust their search strategy to where the reward was most often located. Emotional reactions to rewards and optimism were assessed with questionnaires. Data were collected from 89 children at seven primary schools in the east and north of The Netherlands, eventually 83 children were included in this research. A linear regression analysis has been used to analyze these data. It is found that the level of emotional responses to rewards was positively associated with optimism. In contrast with the hypothesis, reward learning was not associated with optimism. This may be explained by the fact that children do not often look at past experiences in making decisions. They are more likely to choose based on the current situation. Furthermore, the Gold Coin Task could be seen by children as a way of discovery. Therefore children may be less inclined to maximize the number of gold coins. Lastly, the reliability of the optimism questionnaire was too low. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between reward sensitivity and optimism for 6-7 year old children.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Vrijen, C. |
| Degree programme: | Pedagogical and Educational Sciences |
| Differentiation route: | Orthopedagogiek [Bachelor Pedagogical and Educational Sciences] |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Jun 2022 11:24 |
| Last Modified: | 27 Jun 2022 11:24 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/623 |
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