Young Children Choose to Inform Previously Knowledgeable Others. Issue 2 (14th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Sunae; Kalish, Charles W.; Weisman, Kara; Johnson, Marissa V.; Shutts, Kristin
• Is Part Of: Journal of cognition and development. Volume 17:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 320
• Page End: 340
• Publication Date: 2016-03-14
• Subjects: Cognition -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; Concepts -- Periodicals; Visual perception -- Periodicals; 155.413
• DOI: 10.1080/15248372.2014.952731
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1524-8372

Abstract

Abstract : Children recognize that people who know more are better informants than those who know less. How does an individual's prior knowledge affect children's decisions about whom to inform? In 3 experiments, 3- to 6-year-old children were invited to share a novel piece of information with 1 of 2 potential recipients who differed in their recent history of knowledge. Children tended to inform the previously knowledgeable person rather than the previously ignorant person. This same effect was observed in a 4th experiment when the knowledgeable person stated that she already knew the information the participant had to share. In no case was the opposite pattern observed: Children never chose to inform the person who had known less. These results seem to conflict with equity considerations and may reflect a preference to affiliate with competent social partners.