Sharing by Children: Effects of Behavioral Example, Induction, and Resources

One hundred and eighty white boys and girls, ages 9 and 10, were exposed to an adult female who either demonstrated sharing (behavioral example), focused on the positive and negative consequences of sharing with others (induction), or exerted no social influence (control); and were given either 5, 10, or 20 M&M candies to share with 10 other children. Both induction and behavioral example increased sharing, but children shared significantly more with induction. Children's sharing increased with an increase in resources. Overall, girls shared more than boys, but this was only when girls had 20 M&M candies to share.