Article

The purpose of this study was to examine, using a modified visual cliff
apparatus, possible perceptual differences at crawling age between infants born
preterm and infants born at term without documented visual or motor impairments.
Sixteen infants born at term and 16 born preterm were encouraged to crawl to
their caregivers on a modified visual cliff. Successful trials, crossing time,
duration of visual attention, duration of tactile exploration, motor strategies,
and avoidance behaviors were analyzed. A significant surface effect was found,
with longer crossing times and longer durations of visual attention and tactile
exploration in the condition with the visual appearance of a deep cliff. Although
the two groups of infants did not differ on any of the timed measures, infants
born at term demonstrated a larger number of motor strategies and avoidance
behaviors by simple tally. This study indicates that infants born at term and
those born preterm can perceive a visual cliff and adapt their responses
accordingly.

Langue : ANGLAIS