Preschoolers fast map and retain artifact functions as efficiently as artifact names but artifact actions are the most easily learnt

Holland, Amanda; Hyde, Grace; Riggs, Kevin; Simpson, Andrew

Abstract

To become skilled artifact users, children must learn the actions and functions associated with artifacts. We
investigated preschoolers’ ability to fast-map an action, function and name associated with a novel artifact and retain
the new mapping long-term, following brief incidental exposure to the artifact’s use. In Experiment 1, 3‑and 5‑yearolds
were tested one week after two exposures to a novel action, function and name (n=144). Participants performed
well on comprehension tests of all three kinds of information. In Experiment 2, 3‑year‑olds (n=100) were exposed to
these three kinds of information only once. Retention of the action-artifact link was above chance levels, while that for
function and the name were not. Finally, in Experiment 3, 4‑year‑olds (n=128) performed well on an action production
task, a week after brief exposure. In contrast, their performance on a name production task immediately after exposure
was poor. Our data suggest that preschool children can retain function information about a novel artifact from brief
exposure, similar to their ability to learn an artifact name. Crucially, their ability to remember an action-artifact mapping
is markedly better than functions and names.

Citation

Holland, A., Hyde, G., Riggs, K., & Simpson, A. (2018). Preschoolers fast map and retain artifact functions as efficiently as artifact names but artifact actions are the most easily learnt. Journal of experimental child psychology, 170, 57-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2017.12.013

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 20, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Feb 9, 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Deposit Date: Mar 17, 2022
• Journal: Journal of experimental child psychology
• Print ISSN: 0022-0965
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 170
• Pages: 57-71
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2017.12.013
• Keywords: Fast mapping; Word learning; Actions; Functions of artifacts; Tool use; Preschool age (2–5 years)
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/552500