Making Decisions with the Future in Mind: Developmental and Comparative Identification of Mental Time Travel
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| Title: | Making Decisions with the Future in Mind: Developmental and Comparative Identification of Mental Time Travel |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Suddendorf, T., Busby, J. |
| Source: | Learning and Motivation. May 2005 36(2):110-125. |
| Availability: | Elsevier Customer Service Department, 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126 (Toll Free); Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com. |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2005 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles |
| Descriptors: | Travel, Models, Linguistic Performance |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.lmot.2005.02.010 |
| ISSN: | 0023-9690 |
| Abstract: | Mechanisms that produce behavior which increase future survival chances provide an adaptive advantage. The flexibility of human behavior is at least partly the result of one such mechanism, our ability to travel mentally in time and entertain potential future scenarios. We can study mental time travel in children using language. Current results suggest that key developments occur between the ages of three to five. However, linguistic performance can be misleading as language itself is developing. We therefore advocate the use of methodologies that focus on future-oriented action. Mental time travel required profound changes in humans' motivational system, so that current behavior could be directed to secure not just present, but individually anticipated future needs. Such behavior should be distinguishable from behavior based on current drives, or on other mechanisms. We propose an experimental paradigm that provides subjects with an opportunity to act now to satisfy a need not currently experienced. This approach may be used to assess mental time travel in nonhuman animals. We conclude by describing a preliminary study employing an adaptation of this paradigm for children. |
| Abstractor: | Author |
| Entry Date: | 2005 |
| Accession Number: | EJ697782 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| FullText | Text: Availability: 0 |
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| Header | DbId: eric DbLabel: ERIC An: EJ697782 AccessLevel: 3 PubType: Academic Journal PubTypeId: academicJournal PreciseRelevancyScore: 0 |
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| PLink | https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=eric&AN=EJ697782 |
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