Clegg, L. B. (1968). An analysis of the picture illustration preferences of primary grade children. Dissertation Abstracts, 29, 1672A-1673A.

(Conclusions. p. 148-150.) The findings of this study seem to justify the following conclusions concerning picture illustration preferences of primary grade children:

1. Children have definite picture illustration preferences.
2. When two picture illustrations are identical in all other respects, children significantly prefer the use of saturated color over the use of light tints.
3. When two picture illustrations depict the same animal, children significantly prefer fanciful portrayal over realistic portrayal.
4. When two picture illustrations depict the same animal, children significantly prefer realistic portrayal over stylized portrayal.
5. When realistic portrayal of an animal is compared with portrayal of an imaginary animal, children significantly prefer portrayal of the imaginary animal.
6. When three picture illustrations are identical except for racial characteristics of subjects portrayed, Anglo and Mexican children significantly prefer an illustration depicting Caucasian children over one depicting Negro children or one multiracial in content.
7. When Negro children are exposed to a monoracial / Caucasian illustration, a monoracial / Negro illustration, and an illustration multiracial in content, they seem to equally prefer all three illustration types.
8. Grade level is a factor influencing picture illustration preference. The capacity for discriminating between opposing picture illustrations seems to increase with increased grade level.
9. Sex is a factor influencing preference within subject areas that are linked to the interest of a specific sex.
10. Ethnic background is a factor influencing preference in illustrations depicting racial groups, with differentiation related to identification of a child with his own race. There is evidence ethnic distinction may influence preference for other illustration types, but differentiation is possibly related to socioeconomic or cultural factors rather than ethnic background.
11. An integrated or segregated school environment does not seem to influence illustration preference of Negro children.
12. Socioeconomic level seems to be a factor influencing illustration preference of Anglo children.
13. Preference is aparently related to many factors and is not always stable. Preference may change with variance in subject or treatment of subject. For instance, children preferred realistic portrayal (...); they may prefer the dark illustration in one set, the light in another.