1

Cognitive Development
The First three Years
From C. 3 of Human Development
By Papalia,D., Olds,S.W. & Feldman,R.D.(2004)
Presentation Created by Patricia M. Abdalla, Ph. D. Asst. Prof. Central Ohio Technical College Newark, Ohio.

I. Intelligent Behavior is

Goal directed

Adaptive

Result of both heredity & environment

II. Three Classic Approaches

A. Behaviorist Approach
Focus on Mechanics of Learning

Not random or accidental

Classical Conditioning
Operant Conditioning

Question: How does behavior change as a result of experience?????

II. Three Classic Approaches

B.

Psychometric Approach

Emphasis on measurement
Intelligence Quotient (I.Q. Test)

Based on Standardized Norms

Validity and Reliability
Question: How much intelligence does a individual possess?

5
6

II. Three Classic Approaches

B.

Psychometric Approach

Bayley Scale of Infant Development

Yields a Developmental Quotient (DQ)

Benefit:

Limitation:

Enables Early Identification of Developmental Disabilities

Poor predictor of later I.Q.

7
8

II. Three Classic Approaches

B.

Psychometric Approach
What factors can influence I.Q.?
Socio Economic Status.
Parenting Practices

Home Environment

II. Three Classic Approaches

B.

Psychometric Approach

HOME Scale results indicate

THE Most influential factor:
Parental Responsiveness
Other factors :Access to stimulating play materials, parents involvement in play, parent child
interaction, spontaneous praise.
10

II. Three Classic Approaches

B.
Psychometric Approach
Can infants intelligence be improved through early intervention?

Possiblybut .it MUST

11

Start early and continue!

Have a high time investment!
Provide direct Instruction !
Be Used with comprehensive approach!
Be individually focused!

Six Priming Mechanisms

Encouragement

to explore
Mentoringlabeling, sorting, comparing
Celebration of accomplishments
Guidance in practicing
Stimulation of language
Protection
12

II. Three Classic Approaches

C.

Piagetian Approach
Intelligence is rooted in biological processes:

Organization
Adaptation

13

Assimilation
Accommodation

Equilibration

II. Three Classic Approaches

C.

Piagetian Approach
Children construct knowledge by acting on objects and interacting with people.
New cognitive structures depend on previous structures.
Growth is gradual and in stages

14
15
16
17

PostPiagetian Research

 Some

18

abilities develop earlier than Piaget originally thought.

Object permanence
Categorization
Numbers
Causality

Newer Approaches
Information

Focuses on memory, problem-solving, and how infants process information.

19

Habituation/Dishabituation
Information processing ability is a modest predictor of later intelligence!

Newer Approaches
Cognitive

20

Processing Approach

Neuroscience Approach

Brain Imaging Techniques

Prefrontal cortex matures in 2nd. half of first year.
Brain grows in spurts and prunes itself

Newer Approaches
Social-Contextual Approach
Social interaction with adults
Guided participation
Scaffolding

21

Language Development
Sequence

22

Telegraphic Speecc (18-24 months)

Grammar & Syntax (20-30 months)
Complex Sentences (36 months)

Early Speech
Young

Children:

Simplify
Under extend/ Overextend word meanings
Over generalize Rules

23

of Early Development

Early Vocalizations & Gestures

First words (10-14 months)
Holophrases
Sentences

I thinked not I thought

Three mouses not three mice

Theories of Language Acquisition

Behaviorist
Nativist

Position
Position

Language Acquisition Device (LAD)

Interactionist

24

Position

Influences on Language Development

 Brain

Maturation
Genetic and temperamental Influences
Social Interaction
Reading Aloud
25
26