Whom do children copy? Model-based biases in social learning

Publication date: December 2013 Source:Developmental Review, Volume 33, Issue 4 Author(s): Lara A. Wood , Rachel L. Kendal , Emma G. Flynn This review investigates the presence of young children’s model-based cultural transmission biases in social learning, arguing that such biases are adaptive and flexible. Section 1 offers five propositions regarding the presence and direction of model-based transmission biases in young children’s copying of a model. Section 2 discusses the cognitive abilities required for differing model-based biases and tracks their development in early childhood. Section 3 suggests future areas of research including considering the social aspect of model-based biases and understanding their use within a comparative perspective.
Source: Developmental Review - Category: Child Development Source Type: research