Behavioral scientists are using established experimental methods to show that fetuses can and do learn. The methodology employed and results obtained from several studies are reported. (JN)

Reports research into the visual fixation of 3- to 11-week old infants as they observed adult faces. Reports a dramatic increase in fixations occurred between 5 and 7 weeks for all conditions. (SL)

Reports the results of studies of perception of very young infants. Sixty infants 6 to 23 days old were presented objects; looking-at and reaching-for the objects were measured. Results indicated active visual exploration of objects did occur; however, little motor activity was directed toward the objects. (SL)

Describes the reaction of infants and their attention to events by actions such as vocalizing, smiling or a change in respiration rate. Suggests that understanding of infant selectivity and duration of attention should provide insight into the nature of psychological growth. (JM)

Presents experimental findings that indicate that some number capacity is present in 22-week old infants, long before the onset of verbal counting. Suggests that verbal counting may have precursors present during infancy. (CS)

Presents the procedures, results, and conclusions of two studies conducted to investigate the process of children separating from their mothers. The authors suggest that this kind of behavior has important biological and psychological consequences, among which are increased opportunities for learning and for adaptation to the environment, on the…

Examined consistency of hand preference in a longitudinal study of children between 18 and 42 months of age. Results showed a sex-specific relationship between hand consistence and intellectual development. Females with consistency of handedness were precocious compared to females without such consistency; the same relationship did not hold for…

Reports results of an experiment involving a hydranencephalic infant lacking cerebral hemispheres and a normal twin in testing for associative learning. Cardiac orienting responses to stimulus omission indicated that learning had taken place in both infants. (CS)

Suggests that since most newborn infants (65%) preferred to lie with their heads turned to the right, whereas 15% showed a distinct preference for the left, right head-orientation preference may contribute to the early development of right-handedness. (Author/SK)