According to researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA), who led the study, children only fully understand how to complete jigsaw puzzles when they have reached a certain stage of development.
The study, which looked at the cognitive processes that underlie jigsaw puzzle completion, found that the average child is able to use the visual cues from the puzzle pieces and the box display to complete the puzzle at around the age of four. Three year-olds, however, use trial and error to put the pieces together.
Researchers say that the development advancements that children around the age of four display when completing jigsaw puzzles are the ‘foundation’ for future drawing and painting skills.
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