The Fourth R: Developing Notions of Religious Diversity
Larisa Heiphetz
About the research
Award
NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship
Award Year
2012
Institution
Harvard University
Primary Discipline
Psychology
Religion constitutes an important social identity for children and adults worldwide. Despite the legal separation of public school and religion in the United States, religion also influences public education. However, few scholars have examined children?s understanding of religious diversity or the influence of religious difference on social preferences. Part 1 of my dissertation demonstrates that 5-10 year old children and adults differentiate religious beliefs from facts (which have only one correct answer) and preferences (which do not) and explores mechanisms underlying this effect. Parts 2-3 examine the circumstances under which children prefer those who share their beliefs. These studies show that religious cognition emerges early, that aspects of such cognition remain stable across development, and that invisible mental states influence preferences. Children?s belief-based cognitions influence their perceptions of peers throughout the elementary school years.
About Larisa Heiphetz
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