This ecological study is one part of a broad research effort to understand the backgrounds and characteristics of culturally disadvantaged children. The study attempted to provide empirical data which could be used to describe differences in home environments and behavior of three young children from deprived and non-deprived homes. Focus was on the investigation of the behavior objects of 3-year-olds from urban and rural low income and urban middle income homes. Behavior objects are the things and people in the environment which the child uses as essential supports for his molar behavior. Behavior objects were identified from narrative reports based on direct observation of each subject in the home. Specific criteria were used for identifying the behavior objects in the narrative reports, and the objects were described according to 8 descriptive categories. The investigation yielded two general kinds of results: (1) frequencies and rates of occurrence of behavior objects, and indicators of the rate of flow of behavior objects through the environment, and (2) classification of behavior objects, reflecting qualitative differences. Results were suggestive rather than conclusive, but significant differences between families were indicated. (DP)