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Inquiring infants required

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How do we know what a baby knows? For example, if an object is hidden from view an adult understands that it still continues to exist in time and space. But what about babies? At what age do they know about the permanence of objects? And even if very young babies know about objects, is this knowledge the same as an adult's?

Experimental psychologist Dr Ted Ruffman (BIOLS) is addressing all these questions, using a range of hide-the-toy tasks, in a series of studies funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

One central idea that links all the studies is the claim that a baby's knowledge of an object's location can be demonstrated by their eyegaze. "It does seem that babies will often look to the correct location of an object even if they search incorrectly," says Ted, "and we want to explore this with a range of tasks for babies aged 3 to 12 months."

If you'd like your baby to take part in one of the studies or know of anyone who might, please contact research fellow Lance Slade on ext. 3918 or email lances@biols.susx.ac.uk.

Ted stresses that all the tasks are very baby friendly and quick. Parents receive a certificate and a colour print-out from the video of their baby engaged in the tasks.

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Friday 8 February 2002

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