Preference for color and form in preschoolers as related to color and form differentiation.

The preference for color or form as bases for similarity judgements among preschoolers (ages 2-5) and its relationship to the differentiation of form and color concepts as indexed by discrimination, identification, and labeling were investigated. As hypothesized, an early stage of form preference was found, replicating Brian and Goodenough's results. This was followed by the often-reported color preference and subsequent shift to form preference. A second hypothesis-that the relative salience of a dimension develops in parallel to its relative degree of differentiation-was not supported. This was so despite the fact that, within age groups, individuals who displayed higher proficiency in one dimension that in the other also preferred that dimension over the other. Implications for for existing explanations of developmental trends in preference were discussed.