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VARIABLES AFFECTING AESTHETIC APPRECIATION, IN RELATION TO AGE

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1967

Year

Abstract

S ummary . The pictorial interests and preferences of 7, 11 and 15‐year‐old children and of adults were investigated. Stimulus material consisted of seventy‐six varied items displayed in an art gallery. Some concordance was found, using three measures of appreciation. The 7 and 11‐year‐olds strongly preferred pictures realistically depicting familiar objects. Brightly coloured items were preferred by all age‐groups. Abstract paintings preferred by some older subjects were liked for their colouring. Comments mainly referred to objects represented, or were expressions of approval; 7‐year‐olds made some egocentrio remarks. Sex differences, especially marked for younger children, were found for some pictures. The stated preferences of an interviewer had a positive suggestibility effect, whereas the purported preference of a teacher had a negative effect on children's preferences.