Learning Loopholes: The Development of Intentional Misunderstandings in Children

What do children do when they do not want to obey but cannot afford to disobey? Might they, like adults, feign misunderstanding and seek out loopholes? Across four studies (N = 723; 44% female; USA; majority White; data collected 2020-2023), we find that loophole behavior emerges around ages 5 to 6 (Study 1, 3-18 years), that children think loopholes will get them into less trouble than non-compliance (Study 2, 4-10 years), predict that other children will be more likely to exploit loopholes when goals conflict (Study 3, 5-10 years), and are increasingly able to generate loopholes themselves (Study 4, 5-10 years). This work provides new insights on how children navigate the gray area between compliance and defiance and the development of loophole behavior across early and middle childhood.