A Question of Answers

W. P. Robinson, Susan J. Rackstraw

Format
Hardback
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Country
United Kingdom
Published
9 May 2025
Pages
190
ISBN
9781041010517

A Question of Answers

W. P. Robinson, Susan J. Rackstraw

In the early 1970s, the problem of arousing and maintaining the curiosity of children had been a recurrent theme in reports concerned with the development of new school curricula. However, before these ideas could be translated into soundly based practical measures, an increased understanding of what is involved in the activities of questioning and answering was needed.

Originally published in 1972, the research reported in these two volumes presents a theoretical framework for describing linguistic features of a range of verbally expressed answers and their associated questions. Basil Bernstein's theory is used to generate a number of predictions about the variety and quality of answers that mothers and children are likely to offer to 'wh' questions. The usefulness of the scheme is tested against the answering behaviour of members of different social classes, and, in the main, Bernstein's predictions are supported. The validity of the categories in the classificatory scheme is explored more fully in later chapters by means of a correlational analysis of the answers of seven-year-old children.

Volumes sold separately.

Order online and we’ll ship when available (9 May 2025)

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.