The effect of stimulus attractiveness on visual tracking in 2-to 6-month-old infants

Differences in visual tracking were assessed in 2- to 6-month-olds, as a function of the attractiveness of the stimulus. An attractive, face-like, stimulus elicited more ocular tracking than a less attractive stimulus such as a cross. In addition, repeated exposures to the same stimuli resulted in a decrease of the total amount of tracking toward the end of the session. An interaction of the shape of the stimulus and its rank of presentation with the sex of the infants was also observed. Implications for the study of infants' optimum capacities and of qualitative differences in the pattern of responses are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.