when an object is charged by contact, how does the kind of charge transferred compare to that on the object giving the charge?

Lets say sphere 1 has a charge of 12 + and sphere 2 has a charge of 0 +. After they are touched Sphere 1 becomes 6 + and sphere 2 6 +. So 6 - 12 = a change of 6 -, while 6 - 0 = a change of 6 + Therfore,

Answer: The sign of the charge change / transfered are opposites.