A cross-sequential assessment of the occurrences of pointing in 3- to 12-month-old human infants

This study presents evidence that a developmental continuity exists between early forms of “pointing” and the later, mature form of social gesturing seen during the latter half of the first year of life. Sixteen infants and their mothers were observed in two different conditions of face-to-face interaction during the first year of life (“mother-alone” and “mother-toy”). The rate (adjusted frequency), proportion (percent of total time), and mean duration of pointing were derived from each infant's videotaped sessions. In addition, the degree of co-occurrence between pointing and selected infant and maternal behaviors was assessed. Significant differences by interactional condition and by hand (right or left) were noted for the proportion and mean duration of pointing; however, none of the tests of co-occurrence were significant. Although there was little indication of a functional continuity between early and later appearing forms of pointing, the general findings indicated a potential morphological continuity that had previously been overlooked. It is suggested that a different developmental approach may be necessary to explain the changes in the structural and functional components of this gesture during the first year of life.