On Relating an Infant's Observation Time of Visual Stimuli With Choice Theory Analysis NICHD

Author(s):

Freedle, Roy O.; Lewis, Michael

Publication Year:

1969

Report Number:

RM-69-01

Source:

ETS Research Memorandum

Document Type:

Report

Page Count:

10

Subject/Key Words:

National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), Attention, Choice Theory, Cognitive Development, Infant Behavior, Visual Stimuli

Abstract

This paper outlines how one measure of response strength to very simple, one-dimensional stimuli may be applied to the study of the attentional behavior of infants. An analysis using Luce's "choice theory" is then applied. The problems of interpretation which may arise when multidimensional stimuli are available for choice are then considered. The method for determining a consistent scale value of the one-dimensional stimuli is described. Formulas are derived for predicting observation time for arbitrary combinations of the strength of the response to three one-dimensional stimuli, and it is shown that even when just a few stimuli and attention values are known, "a large number of predictions flow immediately from a choice analysis." The importance of the stage of visual discrimination ability of the infant, and of the interatrial interval, in interpreting results is noted. A numerical example, when response strengths to two stimuli and to all other (non-defined) stimuli are known, is given.

Read More

• Request Copy (specify title and report number, if any)