In a Cross-Cultural Study, Researchers Taught 15- to 18-Month-Old U

Multiple Choice

In a cross-cultural study, researchers taught 15- to 18-month-old U.S. and Mayan infants how to use a novel object either by showing the object being used or showing the object being used while providing instruction. Whereas the U.S. infants were better able to imitate the action when they had some instruction compared to when they simply observed the action, the Mayan infants performed equally well with and without instruction. What is a possible conclusion that can be drawn from this result?

A) U.S. infants are culturally discouraged from learning from observation.
B) U.S. infants are culturally more accustomed to and reliant on being shown what to do.
C) Mayan infants are not accustomed to receiving instruction.
D) Mayan infants are culturally discouraged from relying on instruction.
E) Mayan infants have greater experience dealing with novel objects in their everyday lives.