Testing the dynamic field theory: working memory for locations becomes more spatially precise over development.
The dynamic field theory predicts that biases toward remembered locations depend on the separation between targets, and the spatial precision of interactions in working memory that become enhanced over development. This was tested by varying the separation between A and B locations in a sandbox. Children searched for an object 6 times at an A location, followed by 3 trials at a B location. Two- and 4-year-olds', but not 6-year-olds', responses were biased toward A when A and B were 9-in. and 6-in. apart. When A and B were separated by 2 in., however, 4- and 6-year-olds' responses were biased toward A. Thus, the separation at which responses were biased toward A decreased across age groups, supporting the predictions of the theory.
Schutte
Anne R
AR
Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA. anne-schutte@uiowa.edu
Spencer
John P
JP
Schöner
Gregor
G
D000328:Adult; D001245:Association Learning; D001288:Attention; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004215:Distance Perception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009949:Orientation; D011340:Problem Solving; D002666:Psychology, Child; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D013028:Space Perception; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior