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Abstract

Research on the life-stage preferences of young adolescents is discussed through a comparison of the methods and findings of two independent interview studies which included a question on this topic. The comparability of the samples and differences in the questioning procedures are shown. The conclusion of one study, that young adolescents can be characterized as "contemporary" choosers, is questioned with the results of the second, where a "future" preference is suggested by the data. Additionally, a significant sex difference is found in young adolescents' nominations of an "ideal age to be". Issues in the conduct of life-course research with adolescents are raised from the comparison of the two studies.

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Contemporary or Future Choosers?: A Research Note

Abstract

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