Which way to take? Infants select an efficient path to their goal.

Authors :: Paulus M
Sodian B
Source :: Journal of experimental child psychology [J Exp Child Psychol] 2015 Sep; Vol. 137, pp. 111-24. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 May 15.
Publication Year :: 2015
Abstract: In two experiments, we examined the development of the ability to select efficient means in order to attain a goal in 1.5- and 2-year-olds (N = 79) using a setup in which two paths led to a goal. One of the paths was shorter, and thus more efficient, than the other path. Experiment 1 showed a strong tendency in both age groups to choose the shorter path. In Experiment 2, the shorter path was initially blocked and became available only after infants repeatedly took the longer path. Children demonstrated increasing use of the more efficient path over time. The results of both experiments point to some abilities of efficient action selection in infants.<br /> (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)