Future Thinking: Children But Not Apes Consider Multiple Possibilities

Abstract

When anticipating the future, we draw on our past experience but must take uncertainty into account; for example, while preparing for a trip, we might pack a raincoat and sunglasses because of unpredictable weather. New research shows that the ability to plan for multiple future possibilities may be present in human children from as early as 3-4 years of age, but appears to be lacking in non-human apes.