Children's abilities to search for missing objects in real-life environments were investigated in 2 studies with a total of 70 2 yr 7 mo-6 yr 2 mo old Ss. Exp I involved searches of 8 locations on a school playground; Exp II involved searches of 8 large cupboards. In each study, Ss performed a free search followed by a logical search. In free search, the S was instructed to search the 8 locations to find a missing item. In logical search a critical search area within the 8 locations was defined for the Ss on the basis of (a) where the item was last seen and (b) where it was first discovered missing. In free search, more older than younger Ss searched each location at least once and searched all locations sequentially. Detailed comparisons of search patterns under the free and logical conditions revealed that older Ss understood the critical search area. In contrast, younger Ss' searches under the logical condition depended on one salient association of a location with the missing item. The developmental trends indicated that several memory and logical processes determine search procedures. The development and integration of these processes are discussed. (8 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1979 American Psychological Association.
