This study tested the prediction that young girls would show greater group variance than young boys would in a measure of sex-role preference. The prediction was inconsistent with some previous research and was based upon certain assumptions concerning the development of sex-role preference. 48 pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first-, and second-grade children were given a sex-oriented toy-preference test. The prediction was supported (p < .01); boys preferred boys' toys more than girls preferred girls' toys (p < .01). Older children preferred own-sexed toys more than the younger ones did (p < .05).
