Abstract
This study presents an empirical test and dynamic model of perseverative limb selection in children of 14‐, 24‐, and 36‐months old (N = 66 in total). In the experiment, children repeatedly grasped a spoon with a single hand. In two separate conditions, the spoon was presented either four times on their right side or four times on their left side. In both conditions, following this training, the spoon was presented on midline for two more trials. This setup enabled us to determine whether children's limb selection was influenced by their prior choices in the task (i.e., perseveration). Individual children's handedness was determined in a third condition consisting of nine object presentations (laterally or on midline). A dynamic model for limb selection is presented combining external input, motor memory, and preferences. The model was used to simulate the experiment and reproduced the results, including the age‐related changes.
Highlights
Studies on goal‐directed behavior in children have shed light on the development of action planning and, more in particular, on the de‐ velopment of action selection
This study presents an empirical test and dynamic model of perseverative limb selec‐ tion in children of 14, 24, and 36‐months old (N = 66 in total)
We have learned a great deal from these studies with re‐ spect to the factors involved in the choices children make, the issue is still unresolved as to how these different factors combine in the underlying action‐selection process
Summary
Studies on goal‐directed behavior in children have shed light on the development of action planning and, more in particular, on the de‐ velopment of action selection. It is well known that handedness increases in strength during the first 3 years of life and onward (McManus et al, 1988; Scharoun & Bryden, 2014) This particular combination (i.e., combined influence of factors and age‐ related changes) makes limb selection quite interesting for study‐ ing action planning from a developmental perspective. A number of different factors mutually contributed at the same time in the selection of the limb to perform the task with This demonstrated that limb se‐ lection only temporarily favored one hand above the other and that changing information about the relevant variables during the course of the action could either reinforce or weaken earlier choices. In the researchers’ opinion, these results revealed that a dynamic pro‐ cess must be governing limb selection
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