Relational models are too elaborate for basic social relationship reasoning
Abstract
Thomas proposes that infants use relational models to reason about interactions between relationship partners. However, many basic social interactions do not contain enough information to differentiate between models. We propose that both basic interaction reasoning and the formation of diverse, culturally relevant relationship categories are better accounted for by positing relationship features that can be flexibly combined.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Child and Animal Learning Development
Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Cultural Differences and Values
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Behavioral and Brain Sciences
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Volume
- 49
- Pages
- e44–e44
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN