Chapter 4

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Findings

This Chapter deals with the presentation, analysis and interpretation of the data in connection
with the objectives and hypothesis set forth this research study.

The Table presents the Demographic Profile of the Respondents in terms of grade level, age,
birth order, sex and socio- economic status.

TABLE 1: The Demographic Profile of the Respondents

SOCIO-
GRADE BIRTH ECONOMIC
LEVEL AGE ORDER SEX STATUS
F P F P F P
Grade 1 6 yrs. old 16 53% Only Child 3 10% Girls 16 53%
7 yrs. old 14 47% First Born 10 33.33% Boys 14 47%
Middle Born 8 26.66% AVERAGE
Youngest 9 30%
TOTAL 30 100% TOTAL 30 100% TOTAL 30 100%

Grade 2 7 yrs. old 14 47% First Born 11 37% Girls 15 50%

8 yrs. old 15 50% Middle Born 8 27% Boys 15 50% AVERAGE
9 yrs. old 1 3% Youngest 9 30%
TOTAL 30 100% TOTAL 30 100% TOTAL 30 100%

Grade 3 8 yrs. old 9 30% Only Child 2 7% Girls 12 40%

9 yrs. old 18 60% First Born 12 40% Boys 18 60%
10 yrs. old 3 10% Middle Born 5 17% AVERAGE
Youngest 11 37%
TOTAL 30 100% TOTAL 30 100% TOTAL 30 100%

The table presents the preferred characteristics of boys in Middle Childhood in choosing
their friends.

Table 2: Distribution of Respondents by Characteristics

Frequen Percenta
Boys Characteristics cy ge
Grade
1 Kind (Mabait) 11 64.71%
 Generous (Mapagbigay) 2 11.76%
(Nakikipaglaro) 3 17.65%
(Makulit) 1 5.88%
Total 17 100.00%

Grade
Kind (Mabait) 13 57%
2
Intelligent (Matalino) 5 22%
Mapagbigay 2 9%
Nakikipaglaro 2 9%
Dahil gusto lang 1 4%
Total 23 100%

Kind (Mabait) 8 35%

Grade True Friend (Tunay na
3 kaibigan) 4 17%
Trustworthy
(Mapagkakatiwalaan) 3 13%
Intelligent (Matalino) 2 9%
Magandang ugali 4 17%
Nakikipaglaro 2 9%
Total 23 100%

The table shows the preferred characteristics of the grades 1, 2 and 3 girls in
choosing their friends. Among the grade 1 girl’s respondents, 8 answered kind (mabait) out
of the 15 respondents which covers 53.33 % of the total responses. While the grade 2 girls
respondents also preferred kind (mabait) friends, which scored 44% or 11 responses out of
25. The same results also appeared in the responses of the grade 3 girls which also
preferred kind (mabait) which obtained 43.75 % and a frequency of 14 out of the 32
responses.

Table 2 reveled that the girls in grade 1, 2 and 3 have the same preference in
choosing their friends. However the grade 3 respondents showed more in depth sense in
choosing their friends. This finding was Consonance to the ideas presented by Bigelow
(1977), girls mentioned the potential for intimacy (Sharing personal thoughts and feelings)
as an important feature in choosing a friend. Children rarely mentioned physical
attractiveness as an important characteristic in best friends.

The finding support the theory of Erik Erikson in which children develop positive
social interaction with their peers by exhibiting positive traits like kindness, generosity,
playfulness and other good quality traits which are preferred by their peer mates. They
begin to demonstrate industry by being different, preserving at tasks until completed and
putting work before pleasure.
The table presents the preferred friends of the girls in Middle Childhood.

Table 3: Distribution of Respondents by Characteristics

Frequenc Percentag
Girls Characteristics y e
Grade 1
Kind (Mabait) 8 53.33%
Generous (Mapagbigay) 2 13.33%
(Nakikipaglaro) 4 26.67%
Intelligent (Matalino) 1 6.67%
Total 15 100%
Grade 2
Kind (Mabait) 11 44.00%
Intelligent (Matalino) 3 12.00%
Generous (Mapagbigay) 5 20.00%
(Nakikipaglaro) 3 12.00%
Helpful (Matulungin) 1 4.00%
(Dahil gusto lang) 2 8.00%
Total 25 100%

Kind (Mabait) 14 43.75%

Grade 3 True Friend (Tunay na
kaibigan) 5 15.63%
Trustworthy
(Mapagkakatiwalaan) 4 12.50%
Intelligent (Matalino) 2 6.25%
(Magandang Ugali) 5 15.63%
(Nakikipaglaro) 2 6.25%
Total 32 100.00%

Table 3 discusses the preferred characteristics of Boys in grade 1, 2 and 3 in

choosing their friends. The grade 1 preferred kind (mabait) with a frequency of 11
(64.71%), which covers more than half of the total responses. The grade 2 respondents
also preferred kind (mabait) which has a frequency of 13 out of the 23 responses with a
percentage of 57 %. Among the grade 3 boys, 8 or 35 % also preferred kind (mabait).

The result explains that the male respondents in grades 1,2 and 3 showed the
same preference in choosing their friends. The table further shows that during their grade
3 years the respondents shows more intimacy with regards in choosing their friends. This
is Congruent with the idea of Burndt (1986), Loyalty, faithfulness and generosity defire
close friendships during middle childhood.

Psychological development encompasses change in our understanding of selves as

members of society. In the theory of Erikson he noted that children learn to master the
formal skills of life such as relating with peers according to rules and progressing from free
play that may be elaborately structured by rules and may demand formal teamwork.
That’s why boys prefer friends who are kind, generous, and trustworthy and has good
traits.
The table shows the Conflicts encountered by the boys in Grades 1, 2 and 3.

Table 4: Distribution of Respondents by the Conflicts

Frequenc Percentag
Boys Conflict y e

Grade 1 Things in School 9 42.86%

Walang Pinagaawayan 3 14.29%
Nananakit kapag Naglalaro 9 42.86%
Total 21 100.00%

Grade 2 Walang Pinagaawayan 6 31.58%

Tuwing Naglalaro 7 36.84%
Mayabang 1 5.26%
Nangaasar 3 15.79%
Madamot 2 10.53%
Total 19 100.00%

Grade 3 Nangaasar 2 12.50%

Things in School 2 12.50%
Nangaaway 5 31.25%
Inggitan 2 12.50%
Walang Pinagaawayan 5 31.25%
Total 16 100.00%

The table presents the conflicts encountered by girls in grade 1, 2 and 3. Among
the girls in grade 1, 7 (70%) answered walang pinag-aawayan. The same results appeared
with the answer of the girls in grade 2, walang pinag-aawayan with a frequency of 10 out
of the 16 responses or 62. 50 %. While among the grade 3 respondents, 7 (33.33%)
answered nagsasabi ng sikreto, followed by things in school with a frequency of 5 or 23.
81%.

Table 4 reflected that the grades 1,2 and 3 girls seldom encountered conflicts with
their friends.
D. Shantz (1987), inferred that preschool children’s conflict would be best defined as a
presence of mutual opposition or resistance and efforts to overcome the situation
regardless with the specific behavior of the attempt.

The findings thus elicit what the theory of Erikson, Industry vs. Inferiority. As
pointed out by Erikson of these stage children might express their independence by being
disobedient using back talk and being rebellious which may lead to cause conflicts with
friends. This is contrary to the result of the present study wherein the girls seldom
encounter conflicts with their friends.

The table discusses the conflicts encountered by the girls in Middle Childhood.
Table 5: Distribution of Respondents by the Conflicts

Girls Conflict Frequency Percentage

Grade Things in School 2 20.00%

1 Walang
Pinagaawayan 7 70.00%
Nananakit kapag
Naglalaro 1 10.00%
Total 10 100.00%
Grade
2 Nagyayabang 1 6.25%
Walang
Pinagaawayan 10 62.50%
Things in School 3 18.75%
Nangaasar 2 12.50%
Total 16 100.00%
Grade
3 Nagsasabi ng Sikreto 7 33.33%
Nangaasar 2 9.52%
Things in School 5 23.81%
Nangaaway 1 4.76%
Inggitan 3 14.29%
Walang
Pinagaawayan 3 14.29%
Total 21 100.00%

The table shows the conflicts encountered by boys in grades 1, 2 and 3. Among the
grade 1, the respondents answered things in school and nananakit kapag naglalaro, both
with a frequency of 9 or 42.86% of the total responses. While with the grade 2, 36.84 %or
7 out of the 19 responses answered during play (tuwing naglalaro), followed by walnag
pinag-aawayan with a frequency of 6 or 31. 58 %. Among the grade 3, nang-aaway and
walang pinag-aawayan were the usual conflicts encountered both with a frequency of 5 or
31.25% of the total responses.

Table 5 reveled that the boys in grade 1 often encountered such as the things in
the school and Ending up fighting while playing this maybe brought about by their young
age. As they reach grades 1, 2 and 3 the conflicts encountered were lessen but still they
seldom ending up fighting while playing and quarrelsome. Different studies showed that
preschool children’s Conflicts are brought about by several factors. One, since more
conflicts involve possessions use of objects, Shantz (1987) Two, caused by the seemingly
closeness in age because of limited cognition (Dawe, 1934). Furthermore, based from
Sellman’s developmental levels and stages of friendships, preschool children have a vague
notion about the difference between the psychological and physical aspects of the social
world, thus, leading to confusion between intentional and unintentional acts.
 It shows in the findings that the boys often encounter conflicts compare with the
girls. This agrees with the theoretical framework in which Erikson explains that children
display independence by being disobedient using back talk and being rebellious which may
lead to conflicts. Furthermore, he makes it clear that he consider the nuclear conflicts of
this stage to be universal.

The table presents the resolutions made by the boys in Grades 1,2 and 3.

Table 6: Distribution of respondents by the Resolutions

Frequen Percenta
Boys Resolution cy ge

Saying Sorry
Grad (Nagsosorry) 11 61.11%
e1 (Nagshashakehands
) 1 5.56%
(Naguusap) 2 11.11%
(Nagbibigay) 3 16.67%
(Naglalaro) 1 5.56%
Total 18 100.00%

Grad Saying Sorry

e2 (Nagsosorry) 10 71.43%
(Makikipagbati) 3 21.43%
(Nagbibigay) 1 7.14%
Total 14 100.00%

Grad
Saying Sorry
e3
(Nagsosorry) 8 57.14%
(Nakikipagbati) 6 42.86%
Total 14 100.00%

The table presents the resolution made by girls in Grade 1, 2 and 3. Among the
grade 1, 10 out of 14 respondents answered saying sorry (nagsosorry) which has the
percentage of 71. 43% of the total responses, while in the grade 2, the respondents
answered saying sorry (nagsosorry) with a frequency of 8 out of 14 or 57. 14 %, followed
by (Makikipagbati) with a frequency of 6 or 42.86 % of the total responses. Among the
grade 3, 12 out of 16 respondents answered nagsosorry which has the percentage of 75 %,
followed by (makikipagbati) with a frequency of 4 or 25% of the total responses.

The female respondent in grade 1, 2 and 3 chooses to say sorry in resolving their
conflicts with their friends. In a “Possession” or “Use of Object” conflict however, female
participants adapted submission to terminate or settle conflicts (Hurroks, Buker and
Thompson, 2008)
 In attempting to solve conflicts girls in middle childhood habitually say sorry to
their friends for the reason that children at this age are becoming more aware of
themselves as individuals. They work hard at being responsible being good and doing it
right. They are now more reasonable to share, cooperate and learn to solve conflicts.

The table reflected the frequency and percentage of the resolutions made by the boys in
grade 1, 2 and 3.

Table 7: Distribution of Respondents by the Resolutions

Girls Resolution Frequency Percentage

Grade 1
Saying Sorry (Nagsosorry) 10 71.43%
(Nagshashakehands) 1 7.14%
(Naguusap) 1 7.14%
(Nagbibigay) 1 7.14%
(Naglalaro) 1 7.14%
Total 14 100.00%
Grade 2
Saying Sorry (Nagsosorry) 8 57.14%
(Makikipagbati) 6 42.86%
Total 14 100.00%
Grade 3
Saying Sorry (Nagsosorry) 12 75%
(Makikipagbati) 4 25%
Total 16 100%

Table 7 shows that the Grade 1 boys resolve their conflicts by means of saying
sorry (nagsosorry) with a frequency of 11 or 61.11 %. The same result showed with the
answer of the grade 2, saying sorry (nagsosorry) with a frequency of 10 or 71/ 43 %.
Among the grade 3, saying sorry (nagsosorry) which covers more than half of the total
responses or 57.14 % and (nakikipagbati)with a frequency of 6 or 42.86% of the total
responses.

With regards to table 6, the same result appeared with the responses of the boys
in resolving conflicts which is saying Sorry (Nagsosorry). Hurroks, Buker and Thompson
posted in their findings that in a “Possession or Use of Objects” male participants use
intervention during time of conflicts. In terms to age group, both 3 to 4 and 5 to 6 year old
participants adopted the same kind of resolutions.

Looking upon the conflicts met by the boys in middle childhood it can be observed
that saying sorry was the common answer. At this stage, children are more tolerant in
resolving their conflicts with their friends. Furthermore, they understand the concept of
space and time, in more logical, practical ways beginning to grasp, gain better
understanding of cause and effect and understand circumstances.
The Table 8 shows the popular gender preferences of Grades 1, 2 and 3 among the Grade
1 respondents

Table 8: ___________________________________________________

Frequen Percenta
Popularity cy ge
Grade 1
Female – Female 12 40.00%
Female – Male 0 0.00%
Male – Male 10 33.33%
Male – Female 5 16.67%
Male – Mixed 2 6.67%
Female – Mixed 1 3.33%
Total 30 100.00%
Grade 2
Female – Female 11 36.67%
Female – Male 4 13.33%
Male – Male 9 30.00%
Male – Female 4 13.33%
Male – Mixed 1 3.33%
Female – Mixed 1 3.33%
Total 30 100.00%
Grade 3
Female - Female 11 36.67%
Female - Male 0 0.00%
Male - Male 6 20.00%
Male - Female 1 3.33%
Male - Mixed 6 20.00%
Female - Mixed 6 20.00%
Total 30 100.00%

Table 8 shows the popular gender preferences of Grades 1,2 and 3. among the
Grade 1 respondents, Female-to-female preference got (12) out of 3o of the total response
with an equivalent percentage of 40%; Male-to-male preference got the second highest
that has the frequency of (10) with a percentage of 33.33%; male-to-female got (5) with
the percentage of 16.67%; followed by female-mixed which got only (1) with a percentage
of 3.33% of the total response. While in the Grade 2 respondents Female-to-female
preference got the frequency of (11) with a percentage of 36.67%; Male-to-male got (9)
which has the percentage of 30%; Female-to-male and Male-to-Female both got the
frequency (4) with a percentage of 13.33%; Both Male-mixed and Female-mixed got the
frequency of (1) which has the percentage of 3.33% of the total response. The Grade 3
respondents female to female preference got the highest frequency of (11) out of 30 of the
total response which has the percentage of 36.67%; Three preferences which are Male-to-
male, Male-mixed, and Female –mixed got the frequency of (16) with the percentage of
20% Male-to-Female preference got only (1) with the percentage of 3.33% of the total
response.
The table shows the preferred characteristics of Grade 1 in choosing their friends.

Table 9: Distribution of Respondents by Characteristics according to birth order

Grade 1

BIRTH Characteristic Frequen Percenta

ORDER s cy ge
Kind (Mabait) 1 33.33%
(Nakikipaglaro) 1 33.33%
Only Child Smart
(Matalino) 1 33.33%
Total 3 100%
Kind (Mabait) 7 58.31%
(Naglalaro) 3 25%
First Born Quiet
(Nagpapahiram) 1 8.33%
(Tahimik) 1 8.33%
Total 12 100%
Kind (Mabait) 8 61.54%
Generous
(Namimigay) 1 7.69%
Middle Playful
(Naglalaro) 3 23.08%
(Makulit) 1 7.69%
Total 13 100%
Nice (Mabait) 2 40%
(Namimigay) 2 40%
Youngest (Naglalaro) 1 20%
Total 5 100%

Table 9 shows the characteristics of Grade 1 respondents according to their birth

order. Among the 3 only child respondents, it shows that they have different preference in
choosing their friends. While the first born respondents preferred kind (mabait) with a
frequency (58. 3%) which covers more than half of the total responses. The same
characteristics appeared with the responses of the middle born children, kind (mabait) with
a frequency of 8 (61. 54%) out of 13 responses. Among the youngest respondents, they
prefer both mabait (kind) and generous (namimigay) with a frequency of 2 (4%) almost
half of the total responses.

The table presents the preferred characteristics of Grade 2 in choosing their friends.

Table 10: Distribution of Respondents by Characteristics according to Birth Order

Grade 2

BIRTH ORDER Characteristics Frequen Percenta

 cy ge
Nice (Mabait) 10 55.55%
Smart (Matalino) 2 11.11%
Generous
(Mapagbigay) 1 5.56%
First Born
(Naglalaro) 2 11.11%
(Dahil Gusto Lang) 2 11.11%
Helpful
(Matulungin) 1 5.56%
Total 18 100%
Nice (Mabait) 6 50%
Smart (Matalino) 2 16.67%
Middle Generous
(Mapagbigay) 3 25%
(Dahil Gusto Lang) 1 8.33%
Total 12 100%
Nice (Mabait) 8 44.44%
Smart (Matalino) 4 22.22%
Generous
Youngest
(Mapagbigay) 3 16.67%
(Naglalaro) 2 11.11%
(Dahil Gusto Lang) 1 5.56%
Total 18 100%

Table 10 discusses the preferred characteristics of grade 2 respondents according

to their birth order. 55.55 % or 10 out of 18 of the first born respondents answered kind
(mabait). Among the middle born children 50 % or 6 answered kind (mabait) out of the 12
responses. The same result appeared with the answers of the youngest respondents, 8
(44.44%) preferred kind (mabait).

The table shows the preferred characteristics of Grade 3 in choosing their friends.

Table 11: Distribution of Respondents by Characteristics according to birth order

Grade 3

BIRTH ORDER Characteristics Frequency Percentage

Nice (Mabait) 2 33.33%

True Friend (Tunay na
Only Child Kaibigan) 2 33.33%
Smart (Matalino) 1 16.67%
(Magandang Ugali) 1 16.67%
Total 6 100%
First Born Nice (Mabait) 8 44.44%
True friend (Tunay na
Kaibigan) 4 22%
Trustworthy
(Mapagkakatiwalaan) 2 11.11%
Smart (Matalino) 1 5.56%
(Magandang Ugali) 3 16.67%
 Total 18 100%
Nice (Mabait) 4 40%
True friend (Tunay na
Kaibigan) 1 10%
Middle Trustworthy
(Mapagkakatiwalaan) 2 20%
Smart (Matalino) 1 10%
(Magandang Ugali) 2 20%
Total 10 100%
Nice (Mabait) 8 40%
True Friend (Tunay na
Kaibigan) 2 10%
Youngest Trustworthy
(Mapagkakatiwalaan) 3 15%
(Magandang Ugali) 3 15%
(Naglalaro) 4 20%
Total 20 100%

Table 11 discusses the preferred characteristics of grade 1 respondents according

to their birth order. The multiple answers of the only child preferred kind (mabait) and True
friend (tunay na kaibigan) which has the same percentage of 33.33 %. The same
characteristics appeared with the responses of the First Born, Middle Born, and Youngest
Born. Kind (mabait) in first born has 44.44 % or 8 out of 18 responses while in the Middle
Born has 40% or 4 out of 10 responses also with the youngest born which has 40% or 8 out
of 20 responses.

The table shows conflicts encountered by Grade 1 students according to their birth order.

Table 12: Distribution of Respondents by the Conflicts in Friendship

Grade 1

Frequenc Percentag
BIRTH ORDER Conflict
y e
(Mga Gamit sa
School) 1 33.33%
(Walang Pinag-
Only Child aawayan) 1 33.33%
(Nang-aaway) 1 33.33%
Total 3 100%
(Mga Gamit sa
School) 3 25%
(Nananakit Kapag
Naglalaro) 2 17%
First Born (Walang Pinag-
aawayan) 7 58.33%
Total 12 100%
Middle (Mga Gamit sa
School) 5 41.67%
(Nang-aaway) 6 50%
 (Walang Pinag-
aawayan) 1 8.33%
Total 12 100%
(Mga Gamit sa
School) 2 50%
(Nang-aaway) 1 25%
Youngest (Walang Pinag-
aawayan) 1 25%
Total 4 100%

Table 12 discusses the conflicts encountered by Grade 1 according to their birth

order. Among the only child in Grade 1, they have given a different answer which has an
equal percentage of 33.33 % which are things in school, (walang pinag-aawayan) at
(Nangaaway). The first born answered (Walang Pinag-aawayan) with a frequency of 7 out
of 12 or 58.33 %, while the Middle Born stated the conflict in their friendship which is
(Nangaaway) with a frequency of 6 out of 12 or 50%. Then the youngest born answered
the things in school with a frequency of 2 out of 4 or 50% of the total responses.

The table discusses the conflicts encountered by the Grade 2 according to their birth order.

Table 13: Distribution of Respondents by the Conflicts in Friendship

Grade 2

BIRTH ORDER Conflict Frequency Percentage

(Mayabang) 2 15.38%
(Nang-aaway Kapag
First Born Naglalaro) 3 23%
(Walang Pinag-aawayan) 5 38.46%
(Nang-aasar) 2 15.38%
(Madamot) 1 7.69%
Total 13 100%
(Nang-aaway Kapag
Naglalaro) 3 37.50%
Middle (Walang Pinag-aawayan) 3 37.50%
(Nang-aasar) 2 25%
Total 8 100%
(Walang Pinag-aawayan) 3 50%
(Mga Gamit) 1 16.67%
Youngest (Madamot) 1 16.67%
(Nang-aaway Kapag
Naglalaro) 1 16.67%
Total 6 100%

Table 13 shows the Conflicts encountered by grade 2 respondents according to birth

order. The first born respondents answered (Walang Pinag-aawayan) with a frequency of 5
out of 13 or 38.46% which covers almost half of the total responses. Among the middle born
respondents they have 2 answered which were the (nangaaway kapag naglalaro) with a
frequency of 3 out of 8 or 37. 50%. Same with the (Walang Pinag-aawayan) with a frequency
of 3 out of 6 or 50% which covers half of the total responses.

The table shows

Table 14: Distribution of Respondents by the Conflicts in Friendship

Grade 3

BIRTH ORDER Conflict Frequency Percentage

(Nagsasabi ng Sikreto) 1 50%
Only Child (Inggitan) 1 50%
Total 2 100%
(Nagsasabi ng Sikreto) 4 30.77%
Selfish (Madamot) 4 30.77%
First Born (Walang Pinag-
aawayan) 3 23.08%
(Nang-aaway) 1 7.69%
Jealousy (Inggitan) 1 7.69%
Total 13 100%
(Nagsasabi ng Sikreto) 1 16.67%
Selfish (Madamot) 1 16.67%
Middle (Walang Pinag-
aawayan) 4 66.67%
Total 6 100%
Youngest (Nagsasabi ng Sikreto) 2 13.33%
(Nang-aasar) 3 20%
Selfish (Madamot) 2 13.33%
(Walang Pinag-
aawayan) 1 6.67%
(Nang-aaway) 3 20%
Jealousy (Inggitan) 4 26.67%

Total 15 100%

Table 14 shows the obtained frequency and percentage of the Conflicts

encountered by grade 3 respondents according to their birth order.
The table 14 shows that the 2 only child in grade 3, 2 answers which are (Nagsasabi ng
totoo with 50% of the total responses and Inggitan which also have half of the percentage.
With the first born respondents also answer (Nagsasabi ng sikreto) with 30.77%, while the
Middle Born answered (Walang Pinag-aawayan) with a frequency of 4 out of 6 or 66.67% of
the total responses. Among the youngest respondents preferred (Inggitan) with 26.67% or
4 out of 15 of the total responses.

Table 12, 13 and 14 revealed that the only child faces conflicts such as the things
in school, quarrelsome and envy because they don’t know yet the value of sharing and
respecting another person. They faces least conflicts which lead them to be more
responsible Markus (1981) and Hurlock (1902) first-borns are highly affiliate and
introverted. The middle born faces more conflicts, this is congruent with the result in the
study of Deutsch (1981), he cited that middle born child is regarded as the least popular,
while he displays socially to first and latter-born. However, their conflicts where lessen
during grade 3 because they tend to be more mature.

The result agrees that there are commonalities among the birth order in middle
childhood in relation to the conflicts they encountered. According to Erikson’s theory
during which children age 6 to 12 years may develop positive social interactions with
others or may feel inadequate and become less sociable. Moreover, industry vs. inferiority
stage is socially a most decisive stage. Furthermore, considerable evidence shows that
conflict occur readily in friendships than in other context. As regard with the middle born
children due to display of socially immature forms of behavior compared to first later-
borns. This was observable especially to the lower grade level.

The table presents the resolutions of Grade 1 according to their birth order.

Table 15: Distribution of Respondents by Resolution according to Birth Order

Grade 1

BIRTH ORDER Resolution Frequency Percentage

(Naglalaro) 2 100%
Only Child Total 2 100%
(Nagso-sorry) 10 76.92%
First Born (Nagsha-shake hands) 1 7.69%
(Nag-uusap) 1 7.69%
(Nagbibigay) 1 7.69%
Total 15 100%
(Nagso-sorry) 7 63.64%
Middle (Nag-uusap) 1 9.09%
(Naglalaro) 1 9.09%
(Nagbibigay) 2 18.18%
Total 11 100%
(Nagso-sorry) 4 66.67%
Youngest (Nagbibigay) 1 16.67%
(Nag-uusap) 1 16.67%
Total 6 100%

Table 15 shows the preferred resolutions of grade 1 respondents according to their

Birth order. Among the only child, 2 of them answered Playing (Naglalaro) out of the 32
multiple responses. While in the first Born, 10 answered saying sorry (Nagsosorry), 1
answered (Nagsha-shake hands), Talking to each other (Nag-uusap) and (Nagbibigay)
which has an equal percentage of 7.69. while the middle born, 7 answered saying sorry
(Nagsosorry) that has the percentage of 63.64 of the total response. 1 answered
(Naglalaro) and (Naguusap) which covers 9.09% of the total responses, followed by
(nagbibigay) with a frequency of 2 or 18.18% of the total response. Among the youngest 4
answered (Nagsosorry) which has the percentage of 66.67 followed by (Nagbibigay) and
(Naguusap) which has the a frequency of 1 and a percentage of 16.67 of the total
responses.

The table presented the resolutions of Grade 2 according to their birth order.

Table 16: Distribution of Respondents by Resolution according to Birth Order

Grade 2

BIRTH ORDER Resolution Frequency Percentage

(Nagso-sorry) 6 54.55%
(Nakikipagbati) 4 36.36%
First Born
(Nagbibigay) 1 9.09%
Total 11 100%
(Nagso-sorry) 8 72.72%
Middle (Nakikipagbati) 3 27.27%
Total 11 100%
(Nagso-sorry) 4 66.67%
Youngest (Nakikipagbati) 2 33.33%
Total 6 100%

Table 16 presents the preferred resolutions of Grade 2 in relation to their birth

order. Among the first born 6 out of 11 respondents answered (nasososorry) with a
percentage of 54.55 of the total responses followed by (nakikipagbati) which has the
frequency of 4 and a percentage of 9.09 of the total responses. While in the middle born 8
out of 11 respondents answered (nagsosorry), which has the percentage of 27.27. the
youngest born answered (nagsosorry) with a frequency of 4 out of 6 respondents which
has the percentage of 66.67 of the total responses. Followed by (Nakikipagbati) with a
frequency of 2 and a percentage of 33.33 out of the total responses.

The table shows the resolutions by the Grade 3 according to their birth order.

Table 17: Distribution of Respondents by Resolution according to Birth Order

Grade 3

BIRTH Frequen Percenta

Resolution
ORDER cy ge
(Nagso-sorry) 1 100%
Only Child Total 1 100%
(Nagso-sorry) 6 60%
(Nakikipagbati
First Born ) 4 40%
Total 10 100%
(Nagso-sorry) 5 71.43%
(Nakikipagbati
Middle ) 2 28.57%
Total 7 100%
(Nagso-sorry) 8 66.67%
(Nakikipagbati
Youngest ) 4 33.33%
Total 12 100%
 Table 17 shows the preferred resolutions of Grade 3 respondents according to their
order. The only child covers the 1005 of the total response. Among the first born 6 out of
10 respondents answered (nagsosorry) which has the percentage of 71.43, and 2
answered (Nakikipagbati) which has the percentage of 28.57 of the total responses, while
among the youngest 8 out of 12 answered again (nagsosorry) whaich has the percentage
of 66.67, followed by (Nakikipagbati) with a frequency of 4 and a percentage of 33.33 of
the total responses.

As illustrated above the tables 15, 16 and 17 shows highest frequency in saying
sorry, this also shows that middle childhood children regardless of the age often resolve
their conflicts by saying sorry.

Middle Childhood Children change both physically and psychologically as they

encounter now adjustments and problems throughout life. This was described in Erikson’s
Psychological stages wherein crisis in social relations must be resolved and confronted at
various points in life. Considerable evidence show that regardless of the birth order, middle
childhood children deal with their conflicts by saying sorry. Moreover, children’s initiative
in resolving conflicts shapes them to be a more mature individual.

The table presents popular gender preference of grade 2 according to their birth order.

Table 18: ________________________________________

Grade 1

BIRTH ORDER POPULARITY F P

Male-Male 1 33.33%
Only Child Female-Female 2 66.67%
Total 3 100%
First Born Male-Male 3 23.08%
 Male-Female 3 23.08%
Female-Female 5 38.46%
Male-Mixed 2 15.38%
Total 13 100%
Male-Male 7 75%
Male-Female 1 12.50%
Middle
Female-Female 1 12.50%
Total 9 100%
Male-Female 1 20%
Female-Female 3 60%
Youngest
Female-Mixed 1 20%
Total 5 100%

Table No. 18 show the popular gender preferences of grade 1 students. The grade
1 only child birth order has the least number of respondents, which is only three (3). Male-
to-male preference got only one (1) with an equivalent percentage of 33.33; female-to-
female has a very slim margin against the aforesaid category having two (2) popularity
preferences with an equivalence of 66.67%. The grade 1 first born children has the
highest number of respondents with a total of thirteen (13). The respondents in this
category have an equal number/percentage of three/23.08% popularity preference in both
male-to-male and female-to-female respectively. Female-to-female preference is the
highest amongst first-born children with an equivalent number of five (5) or 38.46% out of
thirteen (13) respondents. Male-to-mixed got only two (2) or 15.38% preference.
Meanwhile, middle-born children prefer male-to-male garnering seven (7) or 75% out of
nine (9) respondents in this birth order. Both male-to-female and female-to-female got one
(1) preference having 12.50% each. The youngest born children category has five (5)
respondents. This birth order prefers female-to-female having three (3) respondents out of
five (5) or 60% of the total number of respondents. Both male-to-female and female-to-
mixed got equal number of respondents of one (1), which equals to 20% of the five (5)
respondents.

The result obtained by the researchers among grade 1 students shows that there
is a certain pattern that proves that children who belong in this age group tends to
befriend or be with individuals or groups of the same sex. This age bracket tends to be
playful and may care less on intimacy (Berndt, 1986; Bigelow, 1977; Rubin et al., 2006;
Smollar & Youniss, 1982).

According to Erik Erikson’s theory of the Eight (8) Stages of Psychosocial

Development, children amongst this age bracket belong to the fourth stage of the afore-
said development. Friendship is a crucial factor in the personality of a child. Especially for
grade 1 students, the life for each of them would be their time to be with other children
and to play. During playtime, they develop their social skills and may as well learn things
on their own.
The table presents popular gender preference of grade 2 according to their birth order.

Table 19:_________________________________________

Grade 2

BIRTH ORDER POPULARITY F P

Male-Male 3 27.27%
Male-Female 1 9.09%
Female-Female 5 45.45%
First Born
Female-Male 1 9.10%
Female-Mixed 1 9.10%
Total 11 100%
Male-Male 2 25%
Male-Female 1 12.50%
Female-Female 2 25%
Middle
Female-Male 2 25%
Male-Mixed 1 12.50%
Total 8 100%
Male-Male 4 36.36%
Male-Female 2 18.18%
Youngest Female-Female 4 36.36%
Female-Male 1 9.10%
Total 11 100%

Table No. 19 show the popular gender preferences of grade 2 students. It may be
noted that unlike the first grade students, there is no only child respondent in this grade
level. With first born children, the frequency of preference of female-to-female is the
highest which corresponds to five (5) respondents or 45.45% out of eleven respondents in
this birth order. It is followed by male-to-male preference with a total number of three or
27.27%. Male-to-female, female-to-male and female-to-mixed each got a frequency of one
(1) or 9.1%. When it comes to middle-born children the frequency of male-to-male, female-
to-female and female-to-mixed each has two (2) or 25% of the the eight (8) respondents.
Male-to-female and male-to-mixed each has one (1) or 12.5%. The youngest born children
category has eleven (11) respondents. Male-to-male and female-to-female once again has
the highest frequency. The result of each is four (4) or 36.36%. Male-to-female preference
has two (2) or 18.18% while female-to-male has the least number of frequency which is
only one (1) or a meager 9.10%.

Regardless of the birth order of the respondents, it shows that same sex friendship
is still the most popular among grade 2 students. This may be based on Way’s (2001)
study wherein the result of cluster analyses suggests that same sex friendship is the
closest among his four types of friendship.

Friendship among grade 2 students tends to be much deeper and much stable
than that of grade 1 students. The result in this age bracket is more consistent, still, it
emphasizes that children still prefers being with students who have the same gender. It
may be because children are more comfortable being friends with same sex. Comfortable
in the sense that they have the same interests and based on Erik Erikson’s theory of the
Eight (8) Stages of Psychosocial Development, the main social influence on children is their
peers.
a
The table shows popular gender preference of grade 2 according to their birth order.

Table 20______________________________________

Grade 3

BIRTH ORDER POPULARITY F P

Male-Mixed 1 50%
Only Child Female-Mixed 1 50%
Total 2 100%
Male-Male 1 9.10%
Female-Female 6 54.54%
First Born
Female-Mixed 4 36.36%
Total 11 100%
Male-Male 2 33.33%
Female-Female 2 33.33%
Middle
Male-Mixed 2 33.33%
Total 6 100%
Male-Male 3 27.27%
Male-Female 1 9.10%
Female-Female 3 27.27%
Youngest
Male-Mixed 3 27.27%
Female-Mixed 1 9.09%
Total 11 100%

Table No. 20 show the popular gender preferences of grade 3 students. There are
two (2 only child respondents in this grade level and both male-to-mixed and female-to-
mixed has a frequency of one (1) or each has an equal 50%. The first born children prefers
female-to-female friendship. It has a total of six (6) or 54.54%. It is followed by female-to-
mixed and male-to-male preference. The first one has four (4) or 36.36% while the latter
has one (1) or only 9.10%. For middle-born children, the percentage have been equally
divided as each male-to-male, female-to-female and male-to-mixed has two (2) or 33.33%
respectively. Male-to-male, female-to-female and male-to-mixed has three (3) or 27.27%
frequency while both male-to-female and female-to-mixed has one (1) frequency or 9.1%.
 Unlike previous results for grade 1 and 2 students, the result for grade 3 students
show that there is a variation in the choice of being friends with their classmates. Children
in this age level mingle with their opposite sex more that those of younger kids. Moreover,
there is a deeper sense of friendship in this age bracket.(Berndt, 1986; Bigelow, 1977;
Rubin et aI., 2006; Smollar & Youniss, 1982)

As a child grows, so must be his psychological and social skills. His/her interaction
must not be limited. The grade 3 students have proved this as there is a significant
difference of result obtained against grade 1 and 2 students. The two (2) earlier grade
levels tend to make friends only with their same sex while grade 3 students also prefer to
be friends with their opposite sex. There is maturity shown in this age bracket and it is
positive effect of mingling with others in their early years.