W7 - REFERENCES Flashcards
(39 cards)
What is the core knowledge theory of object cognition in infancy?
Core knowledge theory proposes that infants are born with innate systems of knowledge about objects, space, and numbers that operate independently and support further learning. (Spelke & Carey)
What does the violation-of-expectation method assume about infant cognition?
It assumes infants look longer at impossible events that violate their expectations, used to infer understanding of continuity, solidity, and causality. (Baillargeon, 1986; Spelke et al., 1995)
What evidence supports the idea that infants expect objects to be unitary?
Kellman & Spelke (1983) found 4-month-olds infer a single continuous object behind a screen when the two visible ends move together.
What evidence supports the idea that infants expect object continuity through space and time?
Spelke et al. (1995) showed 4-month-olds look longer when object motion violates spatiotemporal continuity, indicating that expectation.
How do infants demonstrate understanding of object solidity?
Baillargeon (1986) found 6–8-month-olds look longer when a toy train passes through a solid wall, indicating surprise at solidity violation.
What study shows infants understand contact and causality between objects?
Muentener & Carey (2010) found 8-month-olds expect physical contact for one object to move another, showing knowledge of contact causality.
What evidence shows infants expect unsupported objects to fall?
Needham & Baillargeon (1993) observed 4-month-olds look longer when an object floats unsupported, indicating an expectation of gravity.
How do these studies support the idea of innate core object knowledge?
They show infants as young as 4–6 months possess expectations about unity, continuity, solidity, and causality, supporting early core knowledge.
What are the limitations or critiques of core knowledge evidence from infant studies?
Critics argue that looking-time may reflect perceptual preference or novelty rather than deep conceptual understanding. (Baillargeon, 1986; Spelke et al., 1995)
What are the two main types of spatial encoding in infancy?
Egocentric encoding (object relative to self) and allocentric encoding (object relative to external landmarks).
What is egocentric spatial encoding?
Representing objects relative to the child’s own body (e.g., “in front of me”).
What is allocentric spatial encoding?
Representing objects relative to external landmarks or environment (e.g., “by the door”).
What did find about infants’ spatial memory encoding?
Newcombe et al. (1999) 5-month-olds looked longer when objects were retrieved from unexpected locations, suggesting allocentric encoding.
What method did Newcombe et al. use to study allocentric encoding?
A violation-of-expectation looking-time task comparing same vs different retrieval locations.
What did .. show about infants’ spatial encoding when position changed?
Kaufman & Needham (2011) Infants dishabituated when an object’s table-relative position changed, indicating allocentric encoding.
How do … demonstrate toddler navigation limitations/reliance?
Hermer & Spelke (1994) Toddlers reoriented using room geometry but failed to use landmarks, showing geometric reliance.
What task did Hermer & Spelke use?
A disorientation task in a rectangular room where toddlers locate hidden objects using geometric cues.
How does language influence spatial navigation in toddlers?
Language helps integrate geometric and landmark information by directing attention to relevant features.
What study supports the role of language in spatial integration?
Shusterman et al. (2011) showed toddlers used landmark cues when given spatial verbal instructions.
At what age do infants begin to encode spatial information allocentrically?
By 5–6 months, based on Newcombe et al. (1999) and Kaufman & Needham (2011).
Why is allocentric encoding important for navigation?
It allows remembering object locations independent of one’s own position, supporting stable navigation.
What key limitation do toddlers show in early spatial navigation?
They rely only on geometric cues and fail to use landmarks without explicit guidance.
How does spatial language influence toddlers’ ability to use landmarks?
Toddlers use landmark information only when given explicit spatial language cues, highlighting language’s role.
What frame of reference does language help children adopt?
From egocentric to allocentric spatial reasoning, allowing more flexible representations.
