This study examined age and sex differences in dyadic and group intera
ction in a standardized setting. Seven classes of 4-year-old children
and 6 classes of 6-year-old children participated. From these classes,
13 male playgroups and 13 female playgroups were formed. The playgrou
ps were videotaped, and frequencies of dyadic and group interaction we
re tabulated. Res;lts showed that boys and girls at both ages engaged
in similar frequencies but different patterns of dyadic interaction. O
nly 6-year-old boys, however, interacted in groups. The discussion con
siders the etiology of these age and sex differences.