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Computing relational strength: an implausible component of early naïve sociology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 May 2026

Denis Tatone Open the ORCID record for Denis Tatone [Opens in a new window]
Denis Tatone*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK denis.tatone@gmail.com
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*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Thomas proposes that two basic computations determine how infants represent social relationships: categorizing the connection by model and computing its strength. I argue that the concept of relational strength is ill-defined, its empirical evidence in early development unconvincing, and its putative operations better explained as categorical inferences about narrow relational schemas (e.g., caregiving).

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Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e51
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© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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