In developmental psychology, children's choices of friends typically exhibit which pattern?

• A. They tend to choose friends who are similar to themselves in age, interests, and background.
• B. They select friends randomly without regard to shared characteristics.
• C. They usually prefer friends who are significantly older than themselves.
• D. They mostly choose friends based on physical appearance alone.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of 'homophily' in developmental psychology, which refers to the tendency of individuals, including children, to associate and bond with others who are similar to themselves.
2. Recognize that children's friendship choices are influenced by shared characteristics such as age, interests, and background, which facilitate communication and mutual understanding.
3. Consider developmental stages where children seek peers with similar cognitive and social abilities, making similarity in age and interests a key factor in friendship selection.
4. Evaluate the incorrect options by reflecting on psychological research: friendships are not random, not typically based on significant age differences, and not solely on physical appearance.
5. Conclude that the pattern of children's friendship choices aligns with the principle that they tend to choose friends who are similar to themselves in age, interests, and background.