Reciprocity versus Modeling as a Basis for Exchange Bahavior in Preschoolers

Preschoolers are likely to share with a child who has
previously shared with them; whether they reciprocate to the
child who shared or simply model the other's actions was
investigated. 133 children were observed twice with a samesex
classmate. The target child's partner was given a snack
and allowed 2 min in which to eat or share, then the
situation was reversed. The recipient in the second episode
was either the previous partner or a new child. Boys shared
more snacks, if they had been shared to, regardless of the
identity of the recipient suggesting a modeling effect.
Girls shared more snacks when the potential recipient was
the girl who had shared with them previously suggesting a
reciprocity effect. Neither modeling nor reciprocation
alone are sufficient explanations for increased sharing
after exposure to sharing. Both prior actions and identity
of the recipient need to be considered.