This study examined the extent to which situational context differentially influences components of play. Two groups of play variables were distinguished: (1) style variables, (reflecting the overall tempo and diversity of play) and viewed as relatively sensitive indicators of short term reactions of situations; and (2) structural variables, viewed as relatively sensitive indicators of more enduring aspects of cognitive development. Children were observed either in the presence of relatively familiar of unfamiliar adults in a structured play situation in the home at 18 and 24 months, and in a more naturalistic home observation at 22 and 23 months. Multivariate analyses were used to examine the sensitivity of measures of style and structure to situations and age. Style variables revealed short term situational effects; however, both types of variables revealed changes with age and differences between situations which were sustained over time. Results suggest that the manipulation of context factors and multivariate procedures might provide a useful way of analyzing components of play as a complex system of behavior. (Author/ED)