Development of categorical representations far above and below spatial relations in 3- to 7-month-old infants

Author(s): Cummins, M., Kase, J., Martin, E., Weissman, S.

Journal/Book: Develop Psychol. 1996; 32: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 942-950.

Abstract: A series of experiments examined the abilities of infants to form categorical representations for the spatial relations above and below. Experiment 1 provided evidence that 3- to 4-month-olds can form categorical representations for above and below when a diamond shape was presented above or below a horizontal bar. Experiments 2 and 3 showed that 3- and 4-month-olds did not form categorical representations for above and below when a number of discriminably different shapes (e.g., a diamond, a triangle, a dot) appeared above or below the bar. These more abstract categorical representations for above and below were formed by 6- to 7-month-olds (Experiment 4). The findings suggest an experientially Dr maturationally based trend, from concrete to abstract, in the categorical representation of common spatial relations.

Note: Article PC Quinn, Washington & Jefferson Coll, Dept Psychol, Washington, PA 15301 USA

Keyword(s): YOUNG INFANTS; VISUAL-ATTENTION; CAUSAL EVENT; CATEGORIZATION; INFORMATION; PERCEPTION; LANGUAGE; NEGLECT; OBJECTS; MEMORY

Zurück | Weiter