Visual signals and children's communication: negative effects on task outcome

Citation

Doherty-Sneddon G, McAuley S, Bruce V, Langton S, Blokland A & Anderson AH (2000) Visual signals and children's communication: negative effects on task outcome. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 18 (4), pp. 595-608. https://doi.org/10.1348/026151000165878

Abstract
Previous research has found that young children fail to adapt to audio-only interaction (e.g. Doherty-Sneddon & Kent, 1996), and perform difficult communication tasks better face-to-face. In this new study, children aged 6- and 10 year-olds were compared in face-to-face and audio-only interaction. A problem-solving communication task involving description of abstract stimuli was employed. When describing the abstract stimuli both groups of children showed evidence of face-to-face interference rather than facilitation. It is concluded that, contrary to previous research, for some communication tasks access to visual signals (such as facial expression and eye gaze) may hinder rather than help children’s communication.

Keywords
Cognitive demand; Visuo-spatial; Interference; Problem-solving in children; Auditory perception in children; Interpersonal communication in children; Signal detection (Psychology)

Journal
British Journal of Developmental Psychology: Volume 18, Issue 4

People

Dr Stephen Langton

Senior Lecturer, Psychology