Empathy, Altruism, and Cooperation in Babies (From "Science in the News" Web Site)
Toddlers Eager to Assist Clumsy Scientist
from Associated Press: WASHINGTON - Oops, the scientist dropped his clothespin. Not to worry; a wobbly toddler raced to help, eagerly handing it back. The simple experiment shows the capacity for altruism emerges as early as 18 months of age, the scientist says. Toddlers' desire to help out signals fairly sophisticated brain development and is a trait of interest to anthropologists trying to tease out the evolutionary roots of altruism and cooperation. Psychology researcher Felix Warneken performed a series of ordinary tasks in front of toddlers, such as hanging towels with clothespins or stacking books. Sometimes he "struggled" with the tasks; sometimes he deliberately messed up.
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: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002840717_baby03.html