Abstract
Two experiments were carried out to investigate the role of perceptual factors in the solution of tool-using problems by 9—10-month-old infants. In the first study, the infants were presented with seven different types of tools that varied in shape and in spatial contact with the same goal (a small fuzzy mechanical toy). The tools and the toy were either similar or different, in color and/or in texture. There were strong effects of spatial configuration across color/texture conditions. Color/texture interactions suggested that a similarity in both color and texture made the problems particularly difficult to solve. A second experiment was designed to separate the role of motor factors from the perceptual effect of spatial contact. On tool/goal combinations that were very similar in the motor skill involved, but distinguished by either a spatial contact or a small gap between tool and goal, the spatial contact items were significantly easier. The findings are discussed in terms of attention and memory processes in tool use, and the role of anticipatory imagery.
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