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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Experience is Instrumental in Tuning a Link Between Language and Cognition: Evidence from 6- to 7- Month-Old Infants' Object Categorization

Experience is Instrumental in Tuning a Link Between Language and Cognition: Evidence from 6- to 7- Month-Old Infants' Object Categorization

Published on: April 19, 2017

Young children's interest in live animals.

Vanessa Lobue¹, Megan Bloom Pickard, Kathleen Sherman

¹Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA. vlobue@psychology.rutgers.edu

The British Journal of Developmental Psychology

|January 22, 2013

Summary

Children show a natural affinity for animals, interacting with them more than toys. This innate connection draws their attention, even when presented with other engaging options.

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Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Experience is Instrumental in Tuning a Link Between Language and Cognition: Evidence from 6- to 7- Month-Old Infants' Object Categorization

Experience is Instrumental in Tuning a Link Between Language and Cognition: Evidence from 6- to 7- Month-Old Infants' Object Categorization

Published on: April 19, 2017

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism

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Published on: March 27, 2012

Area of Science:

Developmental Psychology
Human-Animal Interaction
Child Behavior

Background:

Animals serve as significant stimuli for human development, especially in early childhood.
Understanding children's innate connection with animals is crucial for developmental studies.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate children's affinity for animals across different age groups.
To compare children's interactions with live animals versus toys.
To explore behavioral differences when encountering benign versus potentially threatening animals.

Main Methods:

Three experiments were conducted involving children aged 11 to 40 months.
Methodologies included free-play sessions and a paired-preference paradigm.
Interactions with live animals (fish, hamster, snake, spider, gecko) and similar toys were observed.

Main Results:

Children consistently interacted more with live animals than with toys.
Children exhibited distinct behaviors towards animals, including increased verbalization and questioning.
Parental engagement was higher with animals, with increased attention directed towards them.

Conclusions:

Human children possess an inherent affinity for animals.
This affinity directs children's attention towards animals, overriding the appeal of attractive toys.
Findings support the innate nature of human-animal bonds from early development.