DeLoache, J., Miller, K.F.,

1
DeLoache, J., Miller, K.F., Rosengren, K.S.
(1997) The Credible Shrinking Room Very Young
Children's Performance With Symbolic and
Nonsymbolic Relations. Psychological Science,
8(4), 308-312.
THEORY AND METHODS
FINDINGS
Question Symbolic artifacts are important. 2.5
yr-olds do not understand symbols, as they fail
to translate from mini-models to full-scale
situations. Is this due to trouble with
representing the artifact and the thing it
represents at once? Methods 32 2.5-yr olds were
shown where a large troll doll is hidden in a
large room asked to find it in an analogous
small room. Symbolic cond (n15) Can you find
Little Terry? Remember, he's hiding in the same
place in his little room where Big Terry's hiding
in his big room. Nonsymbolic cond (n17)
Children are shown a shrinking machine in
action they believe the room has actually
shrunk/expanded.
Conclusion a major challenge in detecting and
using symbolic relations stems from their
inherent dual reality and the necessity of
achieving a dual representation.
Strengths Weaknesses

• Seems all the kids in the nonsymbolic actually
  believed in the shrinking machine
• Shows memory is not a factor in failing this
  task.
• The study does not distinguish between whether
  the kids CANT use things as symbols or they just
  dont realize they should be.

Jessica Tsang ED368 Cognitive Development
5.20.2009