The Study On Fair Distributive Behavior Of Children Aged5-6

The purpose of this study was to explore the fair distributive behavior of children. A sample of64children aged5-6was randomly selected from two kindergartens in Wuhan. Tools used in this study include the dictator game and several allocation tasks adapted from Thomson's experimental paradigm (2005). Interview method was Also Used to learn about the fair cognition of children aged5-6. The study examined the statues of the fair distribution of Preschoolers by means of descriptive statistics; the effects of age and gender on the performances of the preschool children's fair distribution were checked by the method of ANOVA and the chi-square test.The results indicated:a.5-6years old children's understanding about the concept of fairness means "equality", which means equality in amount(most children aged5-6think so) and equality in rules. They had different distributive decision, with distribution behavior in keeping with fairness cognition.b. In the dictator game,5-years old children averagely distributed4.75candies to the other children, while6-years old children distributed4.91candies. Children's fair behavior increased with age, and Children's selfish behavior decreased with age.c. The majority of children used the principle of equality (give equal candies to each role), if three roles had equal amount of work achievement with no obvious character traits. The number of6-years old children was significantly more than5-years old children, who used an equality allocation pattern. When one of three roles does more work, most children distribute more candies to the productive role and less candies to two other role; others distribute equal candies to three roles. If each of three roles have one distinguishing characteristic (hunger, productivity and friend), an equality allocation pattern and an productivity allocation pattern are endorsed and used by children aged5-6.Within6-years old children who used the equality rule, the number of boys is significantly more than that of girls in the chi-square test. But, the number of boys is significantly less than that of girls in the chi-square test within6-years old children who used the Productivity-based equity. More6-years old children than5-years old children allot more candies to the role who is a friend of the allocator.