This study investigated how great apes and human infants use imperative pointing to request objects. In a series of three experiments (infants, N = 44; apes, N = 12), subjects were given the opportunity to either point to a desired object from a distance or else to approach closer and request it proximally. The apes always approached close to the…

Using a means-means-ends problem-solving task, this study examined whether 16-month-old walking infants (N = 28) took into account the width of a bridge as a means for crossing a precipice and the location of a handrail as a means for augmenting balance on a narrow bridge. Infants were encouraged to cross from one platform to another over narrow…

Identifies and reviews the evidence for some potential functions of proximity seeking in infancy. Data pertaining to a variety of species are reviewed. (Author/SS)

Measures of positive and negative affect and affect ability; of look, approach, and proximity behavior; and of overall response pattern were obtained from 66 infants of 12 months. These measures and other results suggested that both parents are significant sources of emotional guidance for infants in conditions of uncertainty. (RH)

Differences were found between father/son and father/daughter dyads in such behaviors as father prohibitions, child mischievousness, mutual proximity, toy exchange, and child toy play. A total of 107 father/child dyads involving year-old children were observed. (Author/RH)

Examined in 4 experiments 3- and 4-year-olds' ability to communicate about containment and proximity relations. Found that when describing where a toy mouse was hidden, children were more likely to successfully disambiguate a small landmark when it was in, rather than next to, the large landmark. Three-year-olds initiated searches faster when the…

Fourth-, eighth- and eleventh-grade children were exposed in groups of four to short-term conditions of high or moderate spatial density involving close physical proximity. Physiological responses were measured during this exposure, and afterwards subjects engaged in a cooperation-competition activity and provided self-reports related to their…

Examines the choice behavior of White third graders who indicated either a preference or no preference for closeness to Whites over Blacks on a social distance measure. Several predictions based on conflict theory were made pertaining to choice behavior and latency of responding in the two preference groups. (Author/RH)