Keil (1989) investigated whether artifacts and natural kinds remains members of the same categories after transformations that change their most salient features. This paper replicates one of Keil's experiments with purpose to ascertain whether the results are applicable to the Brazilian culture. Participated 30 children who were assigned to three groups (6/7, 8/9, 10/11 years old). Six stories were translated - four about natural kinds and two about artifacts. They talked about doctors who performed operations on natural kinds and their most salient artifacts whereby properties were changed in those of the another kind. Results showed that subjects were able to correctly assess the identity of the artifacts, but the defining attributes were effective only for the older children. In general, the results give support to Keil's findings.
concept formation; conceptual development; theory view
