Rule detection in preschool-aged children

Executive functions (EF) in preschool children were investigated using a novel version of the Brixton Anticipation Test. To sustain motivation a cover story based on tales familiar to the children was introduced. The task was also framed in the form of a hiding game. The participants were children aged 3 and 5. The results suggested that rule detection can be measured in children as young as 3 years. Maturational effects were observed between the age groups. Of the executive subfunctions the new task version was interpreted as tapping inhibition rather than shifting (switching).