Kinder verschiedener Altersstufen spielen mit einer Versuchsleiterin, die sie abwechselnd gewinnen und verlieren läßt. Unterschiedliche Reaktionen der Kinder auf Erfolg und Mißerfolg in den einzelnen Altersstufen.

Success and failure behaviour of children of different ages (2 - 6) is examined by means of a game of tower-building with an experimenter who has them win and lose alternately. Children of different age groups behave in different ways. The younger children do not yet show typical reactions of success or failure. Only when the competitive nature of the game is understood do younger children show strong reactions to success and failure. Approximately from the age of 3 1/2 years failure sets off conflicts which have to be overcome.