Filling the gap on developmental change: Tests of a dynamic field theory of spatial cognition

Anne R. Schutte, John P. Spencer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

In early childhood, there is a developmental transition in spatial memory biases. Before the transition, children's memory responses are biased toward the midline of a space, while after the transition responses are biased away from midline. The Dynamic Field Theory (DFT) posits that changes in neural interaction and changes in how children perceive frames of reference underlie the transition. Here, we tested a prediction of the DFT that children younger than the transitional age would show the more advanced developmental pattern when tested with a perceptually salient midline axis. Four age groups (3 years, 6 months; 3 years, 8 months; 4 years; and 5 years) were tested at targets near midline. As predicted, children's responses were biased away from midline.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)328-355
Number of pages28
JournalJournal of Cognition and Development
Volume11
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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