This study investigates the relationship between cooperation and empathy in young children proposed by Levine and Hoffman (1975). The study replicates the Levine and Hoffman study with the following modifications: (1) the naturalistic observation includes both males and females; (2) the sampling of cooperation is based upon the presence or absence within a 10-second period of time rather than percentage of time in cooperative interaction; (3) the measurement of cooperation is derived from both the direct coding of behavior and the ratings of teachers and other observers; other forms of social behavior are observed and a measure of peer popularity obtained. The free play behavior of 32 preschool children aged 37 to 61 months (from two classrooms) was observed by four trained individuals using a 10-second sampling technique. Reliability was determined by calculating the percentage of agreement between each of the four observers and the trainer for an average of 151 intervals. Subsequently, each child was observed for 144 intervals. The cooperativeness and popularity of the children was rated by the four observers and the two classroom teachers. Results corroborate the Levine and Hoffman study, indicating a positive correlation between cooperation and empathy. In the present study, ratings by multiple observers provide an index of cooperation which may be more valid than that in the Levine and Hoffman study. (CM)