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Related Experiment Videos

Shape and representational status in children's early naming

S A Gelman1, K S Ebeling

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1109, USA. gelman@umich.edu

Cognition
|July 25, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Children and adults name objects based on shape, but intentionality matters. Naming pictures involves understanding the creator's mental state, indicating early theory of mind development.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Linguistics

Background:

  • Ontological distinctions are often overlooked in everyday language.
  • The role of shape versus representation in word meaning is debated.
  • Previous research suggests shape is key, while others emphasize named representations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether intentionality influences object naming based on shape.
  • To test the hypothesis that people name representations, not just shapes.
  • To explore the role of theory of mind in early word learning.

Main Methods:

  • Two studies involving 47 children and 32 adults.
  • Participants viewed line drawings of objects.
  • Drawings were described as either intentionally or accidentally created.

Main Results:

  • Both children and adults used shape for naming primarily when the shapes were intentional.
  • Intentionality of creation significantly impacted naming based on shape.
  • Findings support the idea that perceived intentionality guides word meaning.

Conclusions:

  • Shape is important in early naming, but not the sole factor.
  • Children's picture naming incorporates their understanding of the creator's mental state.
  • Early word learning involves sophisticated cognitive processes, including theory of mind.

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