Baillargeon and Graber VOE study

• Procedure

  24 babies, aged 5-6 months, were shown a tall or a short rabbit passing behind a screen with a window:

  • Expected condition - the tall rabbit can be seen passing the window but the short one cannot.

  • Unexpected condition - neither rabbit appeared at the window.
• Findings and Conclusion

  The babies looked for an average of 33.07 seconds (unexpected condition) compared to 25.11 seconds (expected condition). This was interpreted as meaning that the babies were surprised at the unexpected condition. This demonstrates an understanding of object permanence at less than 6 months of age. Other studies tested understanding of containment and of support.