The Development of Preschool Children's Use of the Majority Rule

ABSTRACT The majority rule is a core decision‐making principle in groups and democracies, where the preference of over half the members determines the collective outcome. This study investigated whether children aged 3–5 ( N = 156, approximately 50% girls and boys, from predominantly White families) apply the majority rule in a group of peers with differing preferences. Results showed that 5‐year‐olds, but not 3‐ or 4‐year‐olds, were more likely to choose activities favored by the majority of their peers. When justifying their choices, 5‐year‐olds more frequently referred to the majority rule than younger children. Results also showed that children supported a teacher's decision regardless of whether she followed the majority or the minority. These results are discussed in terms of children's ability to apply the majority rule in social settings.