Research Interests and Publications:

Dr. Taylor studies the development of imagination. She has investigated children's creation of imaginary companions and pretend identities during the preschool years and the role these fantasies play in children's emotional and cognitive development. Currently, she is working on a multicultural study of children's pretend play, creativity, inhibitory control and theory of mind and research investigating the relation between mind wandering and creativity. In addition, her work examines adult forms of fantasy behavior, such as the relationship between adult fiction writers and the characters they create for their novels. For further information, visit Dr. Taylor's website.

Selected Publications:

Taylor, M., Carlson, S, M., & Shawber, A. B.  (2008).  Autonomy and control in children’s interactions with imaginary companions.  In I. Roth (Ed.) Imaginative minds, pp. 81-100. Oxford, UK: British Academy and Oxford University Press.

Taylor, M., Carlson, S. M., Maring, B. L., Gerow, L., & Charley, C. (2004). The characteristics and correlates of high fantasy in school-aged children: Imaginary companions, impersonation and social understanding. Developmental Psychology, 40, 1173-1187.

Taylor, M. , Hodges, S.D., & Kohanyi, A. (2003). The illusion of independent agency: Do adult fiction writers experience their characters as having minds of their own? Imagination, cognition and personality.

Taylor, M. (1999). Imaginary companions and the children who create them. New York: Oxford University Press.