Sequential Analysis of Exploration and Play

The uncertainty (measured in 'bits') of behavioural sequences during exploration and play was analysed; indices of stereotypy were calculated which enabled the relative constraints of these two behavioural categories to be compared. A novel toy was presented individually to sixteen pre-school children thus eliciting initial exploratory behaviour, followed by play on subsequent days. It is argued that evolutionary pressures have resulted in exploratory behaviour becoming highly constrained; play, on the other hand, being of little direct consequence for survival, is characterised by heterogeneity of sequences.