Hoffman (2000) found that toddlers responded to a researcher's feigned distress by offering a hug, a comforting remark, or a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. what concept describes this behavior?

This is described by the concept of empathy.

Hoffman dealt with the development of children's morals, especially those which are prosocial. He also focuses of empathy and its impact on human relationships, especially empathy's influence in helping people during their time of distress. He also studies empathy in relation to certain parental behaviors.