Infants preferentially approach and explore the unexpected

Abstract

Looking time experiments based on the violation-of-expectation (VOE) method have consistently demonstrated that infants look longer when their expectations are violated. However, it remains an open question whether similar effects will be observed in infants' approach behaviours. Specifically, do infants selectively approach and explore sources that violate their expectations? In this study, we address this question by examining how infants' looking times are related to their approach and exploration behaviours. Using a traditional VOE method and a crawling paradigm, we demonstrate a strong correspondence between looking time and approach behaviours, which indicates that 13-month-old infants preferentially explore sources of unexpected events. Such spontaneous exploration may provide learning opportunities and allow infants to play an active role in driving their own development. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Infants look longer when their expectations are violated. There is some evidence that infants also preferentially explore objects that violate their 'core' physical expectations. What the present study adds? There is a clear correspondence between infants' looking behaviour and their approach behaviour. Expectancy violations involving non-core knowledge can similarly influence infants' exploration.

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