This study explored how babies develop the ability to make "traces" in their daily lives. Previous research on "trace-making" in babies has mostly focused on how they learn to draw. "Trace-making" is seen as the first step in learning to draw, but there are not many studies on it before this stage. We observed two male babies aged 2–18 months old over time. The "traces" were the babies' actions when they picked objects that left marks and changed surfaces. We found that: (1) Trace-making started around 2 months and continued for the past 18 months. (2) Before they start drawing, babies learn to change surfaces with their bodies and make "traces." Through these traces, babies learn about objects and control their movement.
Nishizaki, M. (2016). Drawings and traces: development and emergence of depiction on the surfaces. Tokyo, Japan: Taga Press. (in Japanese).
Nishizaki, M. (2007). The act of trace-making in infancy: fundamental graphic/plastic act before scribbling. Japanese Journal of Qualitative Psychology, 6, 41-55. (in Japanese). [Winner of the Excellent Paper Award 2007-2009]
Nishizaki, M. (2005). Trace-making in infancy. Japanese Journal of Ecological Psychology, 1(1), 135-140. (in Japanese).
Nishizaki, M. (2005). The act of trace-making in infancy. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Perception and Action, 92, Monterey, California.
grant
Grant-in-Aid for Publication of Scientific Research Results (Scientific Literature) KAKENHI (#15HP5235) from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Drawings and Trace-making. Miho Nishizaki, PI.