Generalization of Sharing Across Groups

Abstract

In this study, generalization of sharing across groups was investigated and the influence of group composition (trained and nontrained subjects) on generalization was assessed. Six groups of subjects were formed by using 12 preschool children. Each group (two boys and two girls) was observed daily during 1510-minute free play sessions. Two groups were trained to share during Sessions 6 through 10; two groups were trained to share during Sessions 11 through 15; and two groups did not receive training. The effects of training a group to share generalized to nontrained groups. Generalization of sharing across groups reflected an increase in sharing within trained pairs, within nontrained pairs, between trained pairs, and between trained and nontrained pairs of children. Subsequent training with groups composed of trained and nontrained pairs further facilitated frequency of sharing. Results collectively suggest that the presence of a trained pair of children facilitates generalized increases in sharing across groups of preschool children, but that the remaining group composition is not a variable functional in this generalization. Issues related to behavioral assessment as well as applied significance for parents and teachers are discussed.