Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The present longitudinal diary study investigated the development of early functions of pointing within everyday routines in infants between 5 and 22 months of age.There are several theories on how pointing develops.Most current studies on pointing involve experimental settings and infants who have already mastered communicative pointing.The present study analyzed diary observations recorded by parents within everyday routines, focusing on the longitudinal changes in infants' early pointing behaviour.Results are interpreted in terms of historically important findings and theories on the origins and development of pointing.Findings indicate a tendency to use the index finger for tactile exploration and in imitation, as well as a tendency to point with the whole hand, before infants become aware of the social function of their raised arm and index finger.In addition, results suggest that different functions of pointing might emerge along different developmental pathways.
Source: Summit (Simon Fraser University)
Author: Viktoria A. Kettner
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W93841457