Influences of Temporal Fluctuation on Infant Attention

Abstract

We examined infants� attention to sound sequences as a function of the regularity of timing and the relative familiarity of the sequences (first five trials and last five trials). Infants� attention to the regular and irregular sequences was assessed by a means of a preferential looking (listening) procedure. Infants 6�8 months of age listened longer to the regular sound sequences, but only during the last five trials. Infants 9�11 months of age did not show evidence of differential listening on the basis of sequence regularity, but their attention waned from earlier to later trials.