Big Q.
If kids played out more, they would be able to develop social skills, fulfill daily exercise and use their imagination to create games.
Sub Q's.
Why are kids not playing outdoor?
What are the causes/problems of staying indoor?
Are parents being too paranoid?
What prevents/scares parents from letting their kids play outdoor?
Is it harder to raise kids in the city?
What leisure activities do they practice after school?
What is their favorite playground or play space in the city?
How much play space is there for kids in the city?
What is their favorite game?
What should be changed so kids can gain independence and more freedom?
great questions, andrea, and a very well-framed hypothesis. The way you have set this up, it will be possible for you to test your hypothesis: you just need to be able to compare one group of kids who do play outdoors with another one that is sedentary, and spends most of their time inside. However, you will have to examine this data carefully to be sure that you are understanding what is going on. There are many factors that could affect the way kids learn about socializing and their physical condition. It would be possible for some kids who play outside, but by themselves, to end up being less socialized than others that spend all of their time indoors, playing with other kids. What is the actual benefit of being outside? Maybe you should be looking at how to simulate outdoor activities in places where it is not safe or practical to play outside. You should do lots of research about the psychology of play, to understand the mechanism whereby children develop intellectually, physically and emotionally through this seeminly universal behavior. How do children play in various cultures? I remember being very solitary as a child, but always playing and making things. This could explain a lot of things about me!
ReplyDeleteIn closing, I think it is an excellent topic for your thesis, but you need to learn more about the purpose of playing, and how it contributes to a child's growth. Then, you will be in a position to design a product that enhances play and maximizes the positive benefit of this kind of activity.
steven