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. 2008 Sep-Oct;79(5):1230-6.
doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2008.01185.x.

Development of three-dimensional object completion in infancy

Kasey C Soska  1 , Scott P Johnson
Affiliations

Development of three-dimensional object completion in infancy

Kasey C Soska et al. Child Dev. 2008 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) object completion was investigated by habituating 4- and 6-month-old infants (n= 24 total) with a computer-generated wedge stimulus that pivoted 15 degrees , providing only a limited view. Two displays, rotating 360 degrees , were then shown: a complete, solid volume and an incomplete, hollow form composed only of the sides seen during habituation. There were no reliable preferences for either test display by 4-month-olds. At 6 months, infants showed a reliable novelty preference for the incomplete test display. Infants in a control group (n= 24) not habituated to the limited-view wedge preferred neither test display. By 6 months, infants may represent simple objects as complete in 3D space despite a limited perspective. Possible mechanisms of development of 3D object completion are discussed.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. The visual stimulus set
Note. Infants were habituated to a wedge-shaped object that rotated back and forth 15° around the vertical axis. During test, infants viewed a complete and an incomplete version of the object on alternating trials, both rotating through 360°.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Looking-time results of 4-month-olds
Note. Error bars represent standard error of the means.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Looking-time results of 6-month-olds
Note. Error bars represent standard error of the means.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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