Analogical Transfer despite Misleading Information in 2.5-5.5-year-olds

Analogical transfer is a pivotal skill early in life and has been repeatedly investigated by developmental psychologists. Recently, it was shown that already 2.5-year-olds are capable of such transfers, even with a 24-hour delay between two analogical situations [1; cf. 2, 3]. This ability, however, is poorly reflected in early curricula, failing to build upon early problem- solving flexibility. In this study, analogical transfer of relevant information despite irrelevant, distracting or misleading information is investigated in 2.5- to 5.5-year-olds. Children participate in a play session at day-care facilities and preschools, where they attempt to transfer relevant tool-use knowledge across two analogical problems despite a distracting or a misleading problem solved in between. Preliminary results suggest that 2.5-to-5.5-year-olds are capable of discarding both distracting and misleading information in analogical transfers. Further data collection should show whether this ability correlates with general intelligence, executive function, and bi-/multilingualism.