However, it is also important to consider the possibility that other cognitive processes may have
played a role in children’s performance in this study. Our tasks used future-oriented language and
required children to keep multiple items and outcomes in mind at once. Specifically, being able to
accomplish each goal required understanding the verbal instructions, and selecting an outcome likely
required sophisticated cognitive flexibility and working memory abilities. However, because we did
not include these measures as covariates in our experiments, we cannot speak to the extent to which
language and executive function ability play a role in accomplishing the goals. The experiments outlined
in this article reflect initial explorations of 3- and 4-year-olds’ ability to maintain and accomplish
goals. Further research must be conducted to assess these individual components and their contribution
to future-oriented thinking.