Do you like the person you can predict?

For 8–13 months old

This study will take place over a live video call with a researcher. Clicking the “Schedule a time to participate” button will take you to an online calendar where you can select a date and time that works for you.

During the session, your baby will watch videos of one person who consistently likes or dislikes an object, and a second person who alternates between the two. Afterward, your baby will see both people on the same screen. Babies often show preferences by looking longer, so we will observe how long your baby looks at each person to determine whether they prefer someone with a more consistent and predictable reaction.

Babies rapidly navigate the social world. Previous research suggests that infants are drawn to novel or dynamic events but also show preferences for reliable people, such as their caregivers. Building on this work, the study asks whether infants prefer individuals who behave predictably (a cue to reliability) or whether perceptual novelty overrides predictability.

15 minutes

Families will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card for participating in the study. Gift cards will be emailed by Friday for weekday participants and by Monday for weekend participants. You may participate and receive compensation only once.