Analysis of children's wishes

Abstract

Utilising a projective technique, the three greatest wishes of Year 4 and Form 1 children were analysed in this dissertation. The sample under study included 244 girls and 218 boys, attending three Primary Schools, a State School and two Church Schools. The selected sample also includes, six Secondary Schools, two Junior Lyceums, two Area Secondary Schools and two Church Schools. Each child had to think of three wishes which he I she thought would be asked by a boy and three other wishes which would be asked by a girl. Age, sex and differences in schools were three variables against which these wishes were compared. The wishes were also analysed to examine how well boys and girls can define and perceive the wishes of the opposite sex. However, the wishes could be defined more clearly when they were scrutinised according to the age of the children. When considering sex differences and what one sex group attributes to another, it was found out that although many boys and girls stick to needs and wishes related to their sex, some showed interest in the other group and the wishes expressed indicated that pupils are manifesting a greater concern for equality. As regards the differences in schools, especially at the Primary level, the children exhibited a lack of imagination, and demonstrated that creativity has almost disappeared with the result that they stick to the books they have and their contents. With respect to Secondary Schools, wishes are more tangible but somewhat bombastic. Both Primary and Secondary school pupils found difficulty in projecting wishes for the opposite sex.