Research Shows That Babies Can Understand Right From Wrong

BabyGaga

By Helena Martin

Published Jul 31, 2019

They're always watching to see how you behave in a situation.

Via: Pixabay, sathyatripodi

Research has shown that babies are able to identify a leader and expect that person to choose the right thing to do. The study demonstrates how infants learn moral values, and it is apparent that having a good role model is the best way to teach them these things. While no parent is perfect, it’s important to know that your kids are always watching, and their behaviour will be shaped by your actions.

In our everyday lives, we rely on our leaders to enforce rules and make the right decision. Whether it be superiors at work, elected representatives, or our parents, we look to figures of authority to ensure that everything is okay. When they disappoint us, mistrust and resentment can begin to build towards that person. What we didn’t know is that this perspective may have been present in us even before we could say our first word.

Researchers found that babies as young as 17-months old can identify who is in charge, and they expect these figures to step-in when something needs to be righted. Newsweek reports that the study observed 120 infants of the same age (17 months) while they were watching a bear puppet show. The first scene depicted a bear in charge, while the second one showed all bears as equals. The results showed that the babies looked at the scene longer when the leader bear didn’t step in to rectify the situation versus when all bears were equal.

The study showed that infants can not only identify the person in charge, but they also expect a certain behaviour from them. They understand that there needs to be someone to show others how to deal with situations and how to properly behave in each one. This shows that children expect the same level of responsibility in their parents.

A child is always observing their surroundings, even when we believe they’re too young to understand anything. This study shows that the formation of a child’s morality and personality starts from a very young age, so parents need to be aware of how they’re behaving in front of their child. You may not think they’re watching, but your baby is judging how they need to behave based on what they see in you.