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Adults are adept at seeing beyond the simple surface characteristics of others' behavior to interpret underlying beliefs, desires, and intentions. To date, much prior research has attempted to trace the origins of theory of mind in infancy, particularly infants' understanding of others' goal-directed behavior. In this study, a demonstrator modeled a previously unexplored, "macro" human behavior-walking-in ... read moreorder to explore whether it is appreciated as goal-directed among infants. This contrasts with previous research, which has focused on "micro" behaviors such as reaching and grasping. In addition to identifying a new behavior perceived as goal-directed early in life, this project also serves as evidence in the inquiry as to the mechanism by which infants acquire goal-directed behavioral understanding in others. Recent research suggests that infants' own experience with and mastery of behaviors allows for an understanding of the same behaviors when performed by other people. This study tested the self-experience hypothesis by examining the understandings of separate groups of infants who could and could not yet walk. Results did not support the research hypothesis that walkers are capable of perceiving another's walking as goal-directed. The discussion focuses on study limitations that may have caused the null findings.read less
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