To compare independence training and cultural expectations of independence training among American and Norwegian nursery school children, this study hypothesized that (1) cultural expectations of independence are greater for Norwegian children than American, (2) such expectations are greater for girls, (3) children's independent behavior and parental expectations are positively correlated, and that (4) Norwegian children would be more self-reliant. Mothers were given two questionnaires which assessed cultural expectations and child rearing practices in independence training. Thirty-four nursery school children of the upper-middle class (Norwegian: nine boys and eight girls; American: 10 boys and seven girls) were involved in two simple tasks with the mother and investigator and two difficult tasks with the investigator. The data were analyzed by T-tests, analysis of variance, and intercorrelation programs. The results supported all hypotheses but one. American boys were found to be subject to greater cultural expectations than were the girls. The conclusions suggested the differences might be due to cultural pressure, not training. Data are tabulated and an extensive bibliography is appended. (JS)