Haptic memory of object shape in 4-month-old infants

The aim of this experiment was to study haptic memory of object shape in 4-month-old babies. One hundred and twenty eight infants participated in this experiment. Haptic habituation without visual control was used, followed either by a short delay (30 s), a long delay (120 s), no delay or a haptic interference Infants' two hands were stimulated. Results showed that haptic habituation occurred for both hands in 4-month-old babies. In the three conditions, recognition memory was found with both hands and for both sexes. These results provide evidence of short-term and long-term haptic memory. Development of handedness and haptic memory are discussed, as well as the specific nature of this type of memory in comparison with other sensory modes.