Abstract

Causal relational reasoning is the ability to make abstract inferences about causal relationships among objects or events and is one of the most important thought processes that allow individuals to draw and acquire various forms of knowledge. The current review analyzed research that examined the early development of causal relational reasoning across different cultures, including research conducted in Korea in this domain. In particular, we examined whether the developmental pathway of causal relational reasoning is universal or diverse across cultures and the possible role of language and/or sociocultural factors. Developmental patterns that appeared around age three differed across the U.S., China, India, and Korea, possibly attributable to diverse language acquisition patterns and cultural contexts. However, no definitive conclusions could be drawn from the current data because of the limited evidence available. Research conducted in Korea has also been limited to replications of past studies. Suggestions were made for future studies of Korean toddlers and children that could help further verify the developmental pattern of causal relational reasoning.