DIMENSIONS OF QUALITY IN INFANTS EXPLORATORY-BEHAVIOR - RELATIONSHIPS TO PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY

Individual differences in the quality of exploratory behavior were assessed in forty 11- to 12-month-old infants. The study focused on the interrelationship of quality and quantity of exploratory behavior and the importance of breadth versus depth. Also, relationships between exploration and problem-solving ability were examined. Correlational and factor analyses suggest that individual differences con be characterized based on the overall pattern of exploratory behavior engaged in by 1-year-olds. Greater breadth in exploratory behavior was related to increased quantity of behavior. In general, breadth was found to be a more salient dimension of exploration than depth and also predicted more successful and sophisticated problem-solving ability.