Reciprocity of friendships and variables related to popularity were studied in 47 male and 25 female preschoolers, of whom 15 percent were nonwhite. Subjects were administered the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the Primary Self Concept Inventory, and a sociometric measure which yielded data on popularity and type of friendship pairings (reciprocal versus nonreciprocal). Additional data were gathered on physical attractiveness, birth order, number of siblings, social class, and the nature of the family structure (intact versus single parent). Reciprocal dyads were more similar in popularity scores and age than were nonreciprocal dyads; however, reciprocal dyads did not differ in sex or racial composition. More than 75 percent of the sample selected same-sex best friends, and 77 percent chose same-race best friends. Age, popularity, and stability of friendship discriminated the reciprocal from the nonreciprocal groups. In addition, six variables predicted preschool popularity: personal self-concept, peer attractiveness, social self-concept, stability of friendship, attractiveness as rated by college students, and verbal intelligence. (Author/MP)