The Development of Infants' Search for Their Mothers, Unfamiliar People, and Objects

The development of infants' search for their mothers versus for unfamiliar persons and objects was investigated in 8-, 10-, and 12-month-olds with use of traditional object permanence procedures. When mothers, strangers, and small objects were hidden (Experiment 1), 12-month-olds showed higher levels of search for mothers than for strangers or objects; 10-month-olds showed higher levels for mothers than for strangers; 8-month-olds showed no differences in searching. When mothers, large objects, and small objects were hidden (Experiment 2), the oldest had higher levels of search for their mothers than for large or small objects; 10-month-olds, higher levels for mothers than large objects; the youngest again showed no difference in searching. Reasons for older infants' advanced search for their mothers are discussed.