Revisiting the Causal Link between Finite Cognitive Capacity and Perseveration: A Dynamic Systems Account

The current study revisits the causal link between finite cognitive capacity and infant perseveration originally put forth by Berger (2004) wherein perseverative errors resulted from a limited amount of cognitive resources. A dynamic systems perspective was used to test the interaction of a limited cognitive capacity and task difficulty by manipulating the contextual layout of Berger’s stair A-not-B paradigm (i.e. from 90-degrees to 180-degrees). Two groups of infants, differing in walking experience but not in biological age, were presented the task of descending A-side 5 consecutive times and to B-side on the 6th trial. Perseveration was not seen in either experience group; however, inexperienced walkers exhibited slower decision-making and stair descent on B-trial than their experienced counterparts. Results suggest that task difficulty alone is not enough to elicit perseveration but is a considerable factor when investigating the error.