Infant pointing serves an interrogative function

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7687.2012.01160.x
• Publication Date: 2012-05-25T12:07:13Z
• Authors: Katarina Begus; Victoria Southgate
• Keywords: Interrogative

Abstract In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the motivations behind, and function of, infant pointing behaviour. Many studies have converged on view that early reflects motivation to share attention with others. Under one view, it is sharing itself ultimate pointing, an manifestation uniquely human social cognition geared towards cooperation collaboration. current study, we tested alternative hypothesis which goal not itself, but information‐laden response infants tend receive as result attention. If indeed point order obtain information, their should be modulated by perceived ability other provide this information. Experiment 1, 16‐month‐olds who interacted demonstrably knowledgeable experimenter pointed significantly more novel objects than ignorant experimenter. 2, confirmed finding was due competence rather different ways responded infants’ points. Our results suggest infancy information from others, selectively elicit desired those whom they perceive could competently it.