Several key variables in the development and assessment of young children's sex role preference are examined in this study. A sample of 257 pre-kindergarten children (mean age, 59 months) and their mothers participated in this study. After obtaining information on each child's age, IQ, and his/her mother's employment status the It Scale for Children (ITSC) was administered to assess each child's sex role preferences. The ITSC is a projective test consisting of 36 cards depicting stereotypic feminine and masculine objects and activities. Children are asked to choose preferred picture cards for "It," a stick figure assumed to be neuter. However, "It" seems to be perceived as a male by many children. Therefore, in addition to the standard projective procedure, three additional procedures were used: The It figure was shown and the child was asked to choose items for her/himself; an All-white stimulus card was shown and projective instructions were administered; and an All-white card was shown and the child was asked to choose items for her/himself. It was found that the ITSC gave an inadequate and biased assessment of sex role preferences and that age and IQ were related to sterotypic sex role preferences. In addition, no differences were found between children of employed and children of nonemployed mothers. It was suggested that the use of an All-white card with projective instructions may well provide a more accurate projective measure of sex role preferences.