Part-based representations of the body in early childhood: evidence from perceived distortions of tactile space across limb boundaries

摘要: Studies show that touch in adults is referenced to a representation of the body structured topologically according parts; perceived distance between two stimuli crossing over part boundary elongated relative presented within one category. Here we investigate this influence parts on tactile space perception children 5, 6 and 7 years age. We with pairs left hand/arm, either hand, forearm, or wrist. With their eyes closed were asked adjust thumb forefinger right hand represent felt stimuli. Like adults, cross be further apart than those arm. They also perceive greater arm which first observation Weber's illusion young children. propose topological mode particularly advantageous during early life given categories remain constant while metric proportions change substantially as child grows.