Perception and conceptualization of intentionality in children

Author(s): Dumas, A., Erskine, J., Reymond, J.

Journal/Book: Brit J Develop Psychol. 1998; 16: St Andrews House, 48 Princess Rd East, Leicester LE1 7DR, Leics, England. British Psychological Soc. 255-272.

Abstract: In the present study, comprising four experiments, we evaluated the development of the child's ability to theorize about intentionality. Children(N = 176) and adults (N = 28) were shown short films about two small moving geometrical forms. The stimuli were replications of those created by Michotte (1946) and Kanizsa & Vicario (1969). The participants' descriptions and explanations were examined. The causes of movement were divided into two categories: causality and intentionality. Our prediction was that the distinction between these two categories would be mastered at an early age, but only at a much later age would participants theorize about them. Results show three stages to this development.

Note: Article Thommen E, Univ Fribourg, Dept Psychol, Faucigny 2, CH-1701 Fribourg, SWITZERLAND

Keyword(s): 2ND-ORDER BELIEFS; ATTRIBUTION

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