Crocker (1980) found which of the following results in children participating in play activities?

The findings by Crocker in 1980 indicated that when children participated in play activities, there was no significant difference between the benefits of structured play and free play. This suggests that both types of play can provide valuable developmental opportunities for children. Each type of play might foster different skills and benefits, but they are equally effective in contributing to children's overall growth and learning experiences.

Understanding that both structured and free play hold merit allows educators and child life specialists to balance their approaches, integrating both styles into interventions to support children's needs effectively. Recognizing the value of diverse types of play also underscores the importance of providing children with varied experiences that can promote creativity, social interactions, and problem-solving skills.

In contrast, the other options imply a definitive superiority of structured play over free play or a preference for more formalized instruction, which does not align with Crocker's findings. Therefore, the conclusion that no significant difference exists highlights the importance of acknowledging the diverse ways children engage with and learn through play.