Do Young Children Consider Similarities or Differences When Responding to Referential Questions?

Abstract Young children often struggle with referential communications because they fail to compare all valid referents. In two studies, we investigated this comparison process. Study 1, 4–7 year-olds ( N = 114) were asked categorize pairs of objects according their similarities or differences, and then identified a unique quality one the by responding question. Children found it easier judge differences between than similarities. Correct judgments predicted accurate identifications. 2, 4–5 36) again categorized but time for verbal explanations decisions. Recognition was recognition Explanations errors either: (a) ambiguous; (b) color error: (c) thematic (creative imaginative explanations). offered when failed recognize objects, not difference.