Abstract: This was an experimental study of color and form abstraction in 267 children, ranging from 2: 6 years to 8: 1 years in age. Three definite stages of development were well established: 1) the pure form abstraction before the age of 3 years; 2) a stage of color dominance, with a peak at about 4 1/2 years; 3) the dominance of identityabstraction after the age of 6 years. Subjective factors, such as color and form preferences, sex differences and intelligence, were ruled out as playing significant roles in the differences of abstraction. Various hypotheses were discussed and a hierarchy in the cognitive process was supported. Both inter- and intra-individual differences were recognized.

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