This experiment examined two processes which might account for developmental increases in accuracy in visual recognition tasks: age-related increases in efficiency of scanning during inspection, and age-related increases in the ability to make decisions systematically during test. Critical details necessary for recognition were highlighted as inspection, test, both or neither. Four groups were tested at each of three ages, 4, 6, and 8 years. Highlighting at inspection was found to increase accuracy and decrease response time for all age groups. Highlighting at test improved accuracy only when highlighting had also occurred at inspection. Highlighting at test also decreased response time at all ages, but the effect was larger for older groups. Age differences in accuracy were significant in all four conditions. Changes in scanning and decision processes do not seem to be powerful factors accounting for improvement in visual recognition in the 4 to 8 year age range. (Author/RH)