Which of the following types of peer relationships is most characteristic of a 2nd grade student?

The answer indicating that small, gender similar groups are most characteristic of a 2nd grade student aligns well with developmental psychology principles regarding peer relationships in early childhood. At this stage, children around 7 to 8 years old are typically beginning to establish a sense of identity and are more conscious of gender norms. As a result, they often prefer to interact with peers of the same gender, leading to the formation of small groups that share similar interests and social dynamics.

In 2nd grade, children are in a phase where friendships tend to be more exclusive and often reflect gender preferences, which help them navigate social structures and develop interpersonal skills within a context they find familiar. This focus on same-gender interactions allows them to explore cooperative play, social roles, and competition in a way that aligns with societal expectations about gender.

While other options, such as mixed-gender groups or large, diverse groups, may appear later in childhood or in different contexts (such as during group activities or school events), the research shows that small, gender-specific play groups are particularly salient during this phase of development. Solitary play preferences are less common at this age, as children are increasingly engaged in social interactions, indicating a shift towards group play and more complex peer relationships than