Describes factor analysis of preschool children's play behavior, as measured by the Smilansky-Parten play matrix. Varimax rotation solution suggests three factors: Dramatic-Constructive Play, Solitary Behavior, and Functional-Constructive Play. Study suggests that these factors represent constructs of preschoolers' play. (Author/RWB)

Behavioral observations have the advantages of being direct, tangible, and informative as to the contextual determinants of behavior. Considerable evidence exists that a three-dimensional structure gives meaning to many child behaviors in a variety of life settings. Three bipolar dimensions constitute this framework: introversion vs. extroversion,…

Three kindergartens and one prekindergarten, totaling 213 children, participated in a Behavior Modification program during the 1971-72 school year. A research assistant in each location worked directly with the teacher in measuring and evaluating teaching methods and in developing alternative procedures as needed to teach the same skills or…