Use of trait labels in making psychological inferences: a replication.
Poster Number
27
Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
Trait labels are those concepts we create about people which influence our judgments of them. The study investigated 24 4-year-olds' ability to use these trait labels to make inferences about mental states. For example, if a child is given the information that a character is either "shy" or "not shy"--would that character want a lot of people or no people around. The study used the labels "mean" and "nice" in addition to "shy" or "not shy" to make mental state inferences. The results suggest that children as young as four can use trait labels to make non-obvious inferences.
Location
DeRosa University Center
Start Date
1-5-2001 9:00 AM
End Date
1-5-2001 5:00 PM
Use of trait labels in making psychological inferences: a replication.
DeRosa University Center
Trait labels are those concepts we create about people which influence our judgments of them. The study investigated 24 4-year-olds' ability to use these trait labels to make inferences about mental states. For example, if a child is given the information that a character is either "shy" or "not shy"--would that character want a lot of people or no people around. The study used the labels "mean" and "nice" in addition to "shy" or "not shy" to make mental state inferences. The results suggest that children as young as four can use trait labels to make non-obvious inferences.