From one to many: Mapping the multiple facets of infants' social cognition

Theoretical views and experimental studies on infants' social cognition have expanded rapidly in recent years. In this article, we offer an organizing perspective centered on the number of social agents—one, two, or more—that are meaningfully involved in a scenario. We use this perspective to discuss how infants interpret and predict the social agents' actions and interactions, and to map multiple facets of infants' social cognition, including mentalizing, socio-moral reasoning (as informed by understanding about groups and relationships), and understanding of social norms. Throughout the article, we pose questions for research, emphasizing the importance of experiences in shaping the developmental course of infants' social cognition. We conclude by considering outstanding issues raised by this perspective and how they can generate new directions for research.