The function of shifting fixations in the visual perception of infants.

The processes underlying infants' shifts of fixation from 1 stimulus to another were explored in 3 studies. The results suggest that infants 3 months and older shift more when the 2 stimuli of a pair are similar than when they are different. Shifting is affected by stimulus repetition as well. There were age differences in the number of shifts per trial, with older infants shifting more. The possibility that shifting may facilitate stimulus recognition is discussed.