Infant Learning and Physiological Self-Regulation during the Visual Expectation Paradigm

Author

Heather Sedges, University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Date of Award

8-2007

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Child and Family Studies

Major Professor

Tara S. Wass

Committee Members

Greer Litton Fox, Rena A. Hallam

Abstract

Learning during infancy is dependent on many factors. One such factor is physiological self-regulation. This study investigated the relationship between physiological self-regulation abilities and evidence of learning based on Visual Expectation Paradigm (VExP) performance. Alterations in High Frequency Heart Period Variability (HFHPV) assessed physiological self-regulation and were hypothesized to correspond with VExP performance. Findings revealed patterns of HFHPV change during the VExP and that HFHPV change negatively corresponded with a resting measure of HFHPV and VExP performance. Results suggested that resting HFHPV was a better predictor of learning during the VExP than patterns of HFHPV change evidenced throughout the task.

Recommended Citation

Sedges, Heather, "Infant Learning and Physiological Self-Regulation during the Visual Expectation Paradigm. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2007.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/216