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How developmental science contributes to theories of future thinking

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2007

Cristina M. Atance  and
Andrew N. Meltzoff
Cristina M. Atance
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1 N 6N5, Canadaatance@uottawa.cahttp://www.sciencessociales.uottawa.ca/ccll/
Andrew N. Meltzoff
Affiliation:
Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195. meltzoff@u.washington.eduhttp://ilabs.washington.edu/meltzoff/
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Abstract

Acting in the present in anticipation of the future is argued to be a behavioral correlate of mental time travel (MTT). Yet, it is important to consider how other future-directed behaviors – including planning, delay of gratification, and acts of prospective memory – figure into a theory of MTT and future thinking more broadly. Developmental science can help in this formulation.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 30 , Issue 3 , June 2007 , pp. 314 - 315
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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References

Atance, C. M. & Meltzoff, A. N. (2005) My future self: Young children's ability to anticipate and explain future states. Cognitive Development 20:341–61.Google Scholar
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