Developmental Differences in the Accuracy of Reporting the Causal Determinants of Behaviour

Abstract

Previous research has indicated that adults often show little accuracy in reporting the causal determinants of their behaviour, and instead rely on a priori causal theories or schemes for explaining their actions. Although this has been interpreted as indicating a deficit in introspective awareness, alternative interpretations have also been suggested. The present research was designed to assess the adequacy of this and alternative interpretations by exploring whether there are developmental changes in the accuracy of reporting. To explore this question, children aged 3, 5, and 7 years were tested on two liking-judgement tasks, one of which assessed accuracy of reporting the variables influencing liking judgements. Results indicated that younger children do not make the same types of errors as older children and adults, and that younger children can more accurately report the actual variables determining their judgements. These results are discussed with reference to the meaning of the observed developmental change, and to the validity of the various possible explanations for causal attribution errors.