Toddlers strategically adapt their information search

Francesco Poli (), Yi-Lin Li, Pravallika Naidu, Rogier B. Mars, Sabine Hunnius and Azzurra Ruggeri ()
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Francesco Poli: Radboud University
Yi-Lin Li: University of Oxford
Pravallika Naidu: University of Oxford
Rogier B. Mars: Radboud University
Sabine Hunnius: Radboud University
Azzurra Ruggeri: Max Planck Institute for Human Development

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Adaptive information seeking is essential for humans to effectively navigate complex and dynamic environments. Here, we developed a gaze-contingent eye-tracking paradigm to examine the early emergence of adaptive information-seeking. Toddlers (N = 60, 18-36 months) and adults (N = 42) either learnt that an animal was equally likely to be found in any of four available locations, or that it was most likely to be found in one particular location. Afterwards, they were given control of a torchlight, which they could move with their eyes to explore the otherwise pitch-black task environment. Eye-movement data and Markov models show that, from 24 months of age, toddlers become more exploratory than adults, and start adapting their exploratory strategies to the information structure of the task. These results show that toddlers’ search strategies are more sophisticated than previously thought, and identify the unique features that distinguish their information search from adults’.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48855-4

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