Performance variables were manipulated to elicit differential outcomes of success and failure for dyad members in an attempt to investigate resultant bargaining and distribution of rewards. Seventy, 10-12-year old children (36 female, 34 males) were placed into dyads controlling for age, sex, I.Q., and friendship choices. Self-allocations were made (1) prior to an interaction, (2) after interactions involving an information exchange, and (3) as a result of a mutual decision process. The results indicated that successful performers gave themselves greater rewards than unsuccessful performers gave themselves; however, these responses reflected equality decisions. Prior to an interaction, unsuccessful performers gave themselves greater rewards than after an information exchange interaction condition. After this interaction, unsuccessful performers followed equity behavior, giving themselves smaller rewards. The mutual decision led to equal rewards for all regardless of performance. Content category analyses of the bargaining sessions revealed differences for performance factors, specifically that successful performers primarily discussed equality statements while unsuccessful performers emphasized equity and agreement with other statements. (Author)