The development of mirror self recognition (MSR) in different cultural environments

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Heidi Keller
• Subject Area: Developmental and Educational Psychology
• Term: from 2006 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 19309639

This study is aimed at analyzing the development of mirror self-recognition (MSR) as a measure of the emerging categorical self concept across socio-cultural environments. More specifically, the study analyzes the similarities and differences in the onset and intrapersonal stability of MSR across cultures. In line with our previous research, we hypothesize that the onset of MSR is influenced by environmental factors of the developmental niches in which toddlers are socialized. Toddlers that grow up in socio-cultural environments where mothers consider socialization goals concerning the development of autonomy important develop MSR earlier. Furthermore, the study reconsiders two factors that co-vary with culture and that might compromise the cross-cultural validity of MSR as a behavioral measure of a categorical self concept. These factors are the familiarity with mirrors and culture-specific norms of expressive behavior. The cross-sequential study design allows us to disentangle the specific influences of these factors on MSR. Finally, the study aims at analyzing specific interaction behaviors (looking, playmate and experimenting behavior) across time and culture. To answer these questions, the study analyzes the development (over six weeks MSR is assessed in 7-day-invervals) of four cohorts of toddlers (18, 19, 20, and 21 months at first assessment) in four cultural environments that differ with respect to their sociocultural orientation (independent: Berlin, Germany; interdependent: rural Nso and Gujarati and autonomous related: Delhi, India).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants