This research deals with the development and relative importance of both the conceptual-cognitive and the aesthetic-affective aspect of the perceptual process at various age levels of children. Three tasks were chosen: (1) sorting drawings of human figures--a task that represents a more conceptual function; (2) expressing preferences for those same drawings--a task that represents a more aesthetic-affective function; and (3) drawing a person--a task that may have both conceptual and affective aspects on theoretical grounds. Combining the drawings of the human figure consisting of several levels of complexity and Gestalt quality, and then comparing the results of sorting and preference for such drawings by children to their own drawings enables one to examine the contribution of the two dimensions in the three tasks. The subjects were 229 children, comprised of four groups aged 4, 5, 10, and 13, as well as a special group of artistically gifted 13 year-olds. The findings reveal clear developmental trends which suggest that theories conceptualizing children's drawings as an aesthetic expression are more appropriate for the younger ages (four-five) whereas theories conceptualizing them as a cognitive expression may be more appropriate for the older age groups. (Author)