Understanding how living things, including humans, develop a sense of purpose and the ability to take intentional actions has long intrigued scientists.
A recent study from Florida Atlantic University sheds new light on this by observing human babies.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the study.
The test begins
In the experiment, infants had one of their feet connected to a mobile.
As the babies moved their foot, they realized they could make the mobile move.
Researchers used advanced technology to track these movements and observed a critical moment when the infants recognized their power to cause movement.
This realization led to a significant increase in the baby's movement rate, marking the "birth of agency."
The study introduced a new way to quantify this development, representing it as a phase transition within a complex system that includes the baby, their brain, and the environment.
Notably, the study showed that both active movements and pauses in movement were significant in the baby's journey to discover agency.
Why it's important
This research provided insights into the fundamental development of agency and highlighted the importance of considering both action and stillness in this process.
It also suggested that different babies may navigate the discovery of agency in distinct ways, which could have implications for early support and intervention.
