The uncertainty (measured in 'bits') of behavioural sequences during exploration and
play was analysed; indices of stereotypy were calculated which enabled the relative
constraints of these two behavioural categories to be compared. A novel toy was
presented individually to sixteen pre-school children thus eliciting initial
exploratory behaviour, followed by play on subsequent days. It is argued that
evolutionary pressures have resulted in exploratory behaviour becoming highly
constrained; play, on the other hand, being of little direct consequence for
survival, is characterised by heterogeneity of sequences.
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