Self-recognition: A study of a population without mirrors

Beatrice Priel, Scania de Schonen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

The study of the influence of familiarity with mirrors on children's capacity to identify their reflected images permitted differentiation between two problems that confront the child in the mirror situation: (a) the identity of the image and (b) the capacity to relate mirror space to real space. Sixty children, 6 to 26 months old, without previous experience with mirrors, were observed systematically while discovering their mirror image and a reflected object. Their behavior was compared to a control group with habitual mirror familiarity. The results suggest that (a) self-recognition in the mirror is independent of the child's familiarity with reflecting surfaces and (b) the capacity to relate mirror to real space seems to be strongly influenced by previous experience with mirrors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)237-250
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology
Volume41
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1986

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Self-recognition: A study of a population without mirrors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this