Toddlers Grasp Possibility Through Impossible Events

A study published in PNAS reveals that toddlers are more likely to remember events they perceive as impossible rather than improbable. Researchers used a gumball machine filled with toys to test 2- and 3-year-olds' reactions to unexpected outcomes. When toddlers received a toy from a seemingly empty machine, they showed surprise and were more likely to remember the toy's name, indicating a learning boost from encountering the unexpected. This suggests that young children learn better when their expectations are violated, enhancing attention and memory retention.