Related Experiment Videos
Infants use handrails as tools in a locomotor task
Sarah E Berger1, Karen E Adolph
1Department of Psychology, New York University, USA. berger2@adelphi.edu
Developmental Psychology
|May 23, 2003
Summary
Toddlers use problem-solving skills for adaptive locomotion, like using handrails to cross bridges. This challenges tool use concepts, showing infants
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Motor Control
- Cognitive Development
Background:
- Locomotion development in toddlers is crucial for exploration and independence.
- Understanding how toddlers solve problems during movement is key to grasping early cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether adaptive locomotion involves means-ends problem-solving in toddlers.
- To examine how toddlers adapt their locomotion strategies in response to environmental challenges, specifically bridge width and handrail availability.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted with 16-month-old toddlers crossing bridges of varying widths.
- The presence or absence of a handrail was manipulated to assess adaptive strategies.
- Measures included bridge attempt frequency, latency, visual exploration, gait modification, and successful crossing.
Main Results:
- Toddlers attempted wider bridges more frequently and showed increased caution (longer latencies, closer examination, gait modification) on narrow or handrail-absent bridges.
- Exploration of the bridge and handrail, and devising alternative strategies, predicted successful crossing.
- The handrail was utilized as a tool to augment balance and achieve the goal of crossing.
Conclusions:
- Adaptive locomotion in toddlers involves sophisticated means-ends problem-solving.
- Toddlers actively use environmental supports, like handrails, as tools to overcome physical challenges.
- Findings challenge traditional views of tool use, highlighting its integration with motor control and problem-solving from an early age.