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Color preference for black and white by infants and young children

J W May, J G May

    Perceptual and Motor Skills
    |August 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study investigated color preferences in young children, finding no evidence that infants universally prefer the color white. Research results challenge previous assumptions about innate color biases in human development.

    Area of Science:

    • Developmental Psychology
    • Infant Studies
    • Color Perception

    Background:

    • Existing literature suggests a potential innate preference for the color white in human infants.
    • Understanding early color preferences can offer insights into cognitive and perceptual development.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To empirically test for a color preference for white in infants and young children.
    • To challenge or support the hypothesis of a universal white preference in early human development.

    Main Methods:

    • A color preference test was administered to 160 subjects aged 6 months to 4.5 years.
    • Subjects were presented with 12 pairs of identical toys, differing only in color (black vs. white).
    • The selected toy's color was recorded as the subject's preference.

    Main Results:

    • Statistical analysis of the collected data did not support the existing literature on white preference.
    • The findings refute the published idea that a preference for white is a general quality in all human beings.
    • Individual variations in color preference were observed, not a universal bias towards white.

    Conclusions:

    • The study provides evidence against a universal innate preference for the color white in infants and young children.
    • Further research is needed to explore the nuances of color perception and preference development in early childhood.
    • Developmental factors beyond innate bias may significantly influence early color choices.

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