The development of future-oriented behaviour during the preschool years

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Most adults spend a great deal of time anticipating, planning for, and contemplating the future. Many researchers argue that our capacity for future thought is an important factor that distinguishes us from other species. Yet, little is known about when this capacity develops, and the types of behaviours that reflect it. This research seeks to address these issues through a series of experiments that will test preschoolers' (3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds) ability to make choices in the present in anticipation of events that will unfold in the future. For example, children will encounter an object (e.g., locked box with toy inside) that is missing a necessary tool (e.g., a key). At a later time, children will be told that they will be re-encountering the object and will be given the opportunity to select a tool to bring with them. Of interest, is whether children show the necessary foresight to choose the correct tool (i.e., key). Based on existing developmental theory, I predict that, around age 4, children's choices will evidence an understanding of the future. I will also vary a number of factors to determine how they might influence children's growing awareness of the future. For example, how does children's memory for the original encounter with the object impact their capacity to think ahead? Or, does the amount of delay between when children choose the tool and when it will be used affect children's choices? The answers to these questions will contribute much-needed developmental information to existing theories about future thinking which, to date, have been largely based on data from adults and non-human animals. The results of this research will also be of practical importance. The young child's transition from being predominantly rooted in the here-and-now, to anticipating and planning for the future is of critical importance to healthy development and adaptation. As such, understanding when this capacity develops, and the factors that influence it, will be of direct benefit to parents, early childhood educators, and physicians.