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Young children are not driven to explore imaginary worlds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 November 2022

Angela Nyhout Open the ORCID record for Angela Nyhout [Opens in a new window]  and
Ruth Lee Open the ORCID record for Ruth Lee [Opens in a new window]
Angela Nyhout
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7FS, UK a.nyhout@kent.ac.uk
Ruth Lee
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 INN, UK ruth.lee@qub.ac.uk
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Abstract

We address Dubourg and Baumard's claim that imaginary worlds are most appealing early in the lifespan when the exploratory drive is highest. Preschool-age children prefer fictions set in the real world, and fantastical information can be difficult for children to represent in real time. We speculate that a drive to explore imaginary worlds may emerge after children acquire substantial real-world skills and knowledge. An account of age effects on fictional preferences should encompass developmental change.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 45 , 2022 , e291
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press

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