Perception and conceptualization of intentionality in children

Abstract

In the present study, comprising four experiments, we evaluated the development of the child's ability to theorize about intentionality. Children ( N = 176) and adults ( N = 28) were shown short films about two small moving geometrical forms. The stimuli were replications of those created by Michotte (1946) and Kanizsa & Vicario (1969). The participants' descriptions and explanations were examined. The causes of movement were divided into two categories: causality and intentionality. Our prediction was that the distinction between these two categories would be mastered at an early age, but only at a much later age would participants theorize about them. Results show three stages to this development.