One potential reason for the variation in findings is that cliquishness can vary depending on the specific context and culture. For example, some research suggests that boys may be more cliquey in certain school environments, while girls may be more cliquey in other settings, such as extracurricular activities or online social networks.
Additionally, it's important to consider individual differences within each gender. Not all boys and girls conform to stereotypes, and there is a wide range of variation in social behavior within each group. Some boys may be highly social and have many friends, while others may prefer to spend time alone or with a small group of close friends. Similarly, some girls may be very cliquey, while others may have a more diverse and inclusive social network.
Overall, while research has suggested some tendencies for boys and girls to form different types of social groups, it's important to recognize that there is a great deal of individual variation and that cliquishness is not solely determined by gender.