YOUNG CHILDRENS COMPREHENSION OF PRETEND CAUSAL SEQUENCES

In 2 experiments, preschoolers' ability to understand pretend transformations was assessed. In Experiment 1, 3- and 4-year-olds watched 5 episodes in which 1 of 2 similar props was altered in a pretend fashion. Children's pretend responses showed that they understood these transformations. In Experiment 2, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds watched 6 episodes in which either a single or a double pretend transformation was carried out. In the single transformations, only 1 of 2 props was altered. In the double transformations, both props were transformed, but then 1 was returned to its original state. After each type of transformation, children made a pretend response to 1 of the 2 props. Children's accurate selection of prop in both experiments shows that they keep track of pretend transformations.