Walter C. Stanley

Method for Studying Exploratory Behavior in Infants

An experimental crib has been designed for use in studying the effect of visual feedback upon the exploratory behavior of the human infant. It can be easily adapted to older children, to some animals, and to problems other than the development of exploratory behavior.

Visual and auditory reinforcement of a manipulatory response in the young child

Abstract Children, aged 2–5 years, were given an opportunity to touch a ball and to discover that a touch could result in a short sequence of motion pictures accompanied by music. The reinforcing effects of the visual and auditory stimuli were assessed primarily by the extent to which fixed ratio (FR) schedules of reinforcement controlled rate of response. In one group of 20 Ss assigned to FRs, 15 Ss showed increasing rates of response with advancing ratios. In a second group of 5 Ss maintained on continuous reinforcement (CRF), none showed a progressive increase in rate of response during the session. The data indicate that the stimuli functioned as reinforcers. The findings suggest that manipulatory behaviors, through which the child learns some of the dimensions of his environment, can be maintained by the stimulation resulting from the manipulation.