Object and event representation in toddlers

Prog Brain Res. 2007:164:227-35. doi: 10.1016/S0079-6123(07)64012-6.

Abstract

Mental representation of absent objects and events is a major cognitive achievement. Research is presented that explores how toddlers (2- to 3-year-old children) search for hidden objects and understand out-of-sight events. Younger children fail to use visually obvious cues, such as a barrier that blocks a moving object's path. Spatiotemporal information provided by movement cues directly connected to the hidden object is more helpful. A key problem for toddlers appears to be difficulty in representing a spatial array involving events with multiple elements.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child Development / physiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Cues
  • Exploratory Behavior / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology*
  • Problem Solving / physiology*