In the first of two studies, fifth and eighth graders and undergraduates were shown the patterns of three hypothetical group members' preferences regarding three alternatives. The hypothetical groups members' preferences were ranked first, second, third (Group O); or desirable, neutral, undesirable (Group PN). The subjects' task was to use the three group members' preference order to decide a preference order for the group. Four strategies of decision making emerged: (1) concession-oriented; (2) minority-oriented majority rule; (3) majority rule; and (4) limited majority rule. Results indicated that undergraduates and eighth graders used all four strategies, while fifth graders concentrated on limited majority rule. Undergraduates and eighth graders used the concession-oriented strategy more often with the PN than the O group. In the second study, the four strategies were explained to fifth graders and undergraduates before these students made their decisions. A new hypothetical group, Group PP, whose rankings were very desirable, fairly desirable, and neutral, was added. Undergraduates used the concession-oriented strategy more often with the PN group than with the O or PP groups, and more often with more important than with less important issues. Fifth graders showed no difference in strategy use for less or more important issues. (BC)