CSDS Chapter 4 Part 2

Cognition

• Definition: Mental activities involved in the comprehension of information, including:

  • Acquisition of knowledge

  • Organization and storage of information

  • Memory and use of knowledge

• Processes of Cognition:

  • Reasoning

  • Problem-solving

  • Machine learning

• Cognitive Development and Language:

  • Cognitive development is closely tied to language development.

  • "As goes language, so goes cognition."

  • Language influences cognitive growth throughout development.

Brain Development

• Differentiation in Brain Maturation:

  • Early stages of brain development show relatively few differences.

  • Increased organization in adult brains results from maturation and environmental stimulation.

• Synaptic Formation:

  • Brain development involves the ongoing formation of synapses.

  • Experience with the environment is crucial for synaptic formation (e.g., Genie's case).

Developmental Timing

• Definition: The period when the brain is receptive to certain inputs and changes, crucial for language acquisition.

• Sensitive Period:

  • A developmental window where the brain is more receptive to specific environmental impacts.

  • Each perceptual and cognitive area has its own sensitive period.

• Quality of Early Experiences:

  • Low-quality early experiences can lead to lower cognitive ability (e.g., institutionalization vs. foster care).

Speech and Language Development

• Acquisition of Auditory Processing:

  • Repeated exposure to native language helps children develop auditory mental maps.

  • This process begins at birth and continues with parental interaction.

• Role of Memory:

  • Strong memory skills correlate with better language acquisition.

  • Difficulty with memory can hinder expressive and receptive language skills.

  • Better recognition and recall at 12 months predicts language skills at 36 months.

Attention and Joint Attention

• Attention:

  • The ability to engage, maintain, disengage, and shift focus influences language acquisition.

• Joint Attention:

  • Defined as the shared focus between two individuals on an object, essential for language development.

  • Lack of joint attention is a common sign in children with autism.

    EXAM 1 ENDS HERE

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Representational Competence

• Definition: Ability to abstract experiences and represent them symbolically.

• Schemas:

  • Concepts derived from experiences help form expectations about objects/events.

  • The understanding of abstract concepts like 'chair' evolves from concrete experiences.

• Mental Maps:

  • Linkages of concepts that help store and relate information, forming schemas.

  • Correlation exists between the quantity of words a child is exposed to and their cognitive abilities.

Conclusion on Language Acquisition

• Importance of Early Language Exposure:

  • Talking and reading to children significantly impacts their cognitive development.

  • By 7 months, infants begin recognizing 1-2 words; by 9-13 months, they understand words in context and sound.

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More detailed below

Cognition

Definition:

Cognition encompasses a wide range of mental activities that facilitate the understanding and comprehension of information. It includes:

• Acquisition of knowledge: The process through which individuals gather new information from their environment through various means such as observation, instruction, and experience.

• Organization and storage of information: Refers to how the brain structures and archives knowledge, allowing for efficient retrieval and use later on.

• Memory and use of knowledge: Involves retaining information over time and applying it effectively in different contexts.

Processes of Cognition:

The cognitive processes are essential for effective thinking and problem-solving, and they include:

• Reasoning: The mental process that involves making inferences or conclusions from premises or facts, essential for decision-making and critical thinking.

• Problem-solving: An analytical approach to identifying solutions for complex issues through creativity and logic.

• Machine Learning: A subset of artificial intelligence focusing on the development of algorithms that allow computers to learn from data, enhancing cognitive capabilities in processing vast amounts of information.

Cognitive Development and Language:

Cognitive development is intrinsically linked to language development, an essential aspect of socialization and learning throughout the lifespan. The principle "As goes language, so goes cognition" highlights the interdependent nature of language and cognitive skills.

• Language influences cognitive growth: Language serves as a tool for cognitive processes, shaping how we think and express our understanding of the world.

Brain Development

Differentiation in Brain Maturation:

• During early stages of brain development, there are limited observable differences among children; however, as they age, increased organization in adult brains emerges through maturation and environmental stimulation.

• Synaptic Formation: This development phase involves continuous formation and refinement of synapses, which are critical for communication between neurons. Real-life experiences, such as those exemplified in the case of Genie, demonstrate the significance of a rich environment in fostering synaptic connectivity.

Developmental Timing:

• Definition: Refers to specific periods in brain development when an individual is particularly receptive to certain inputs and changes, which are crucial for learning, particularly language acquisition.

• Sensitive Period: A timeframe in which the brain is particularly amenable to learning specific skills; varying perceptual and cognitive domains have distinct sensitive periods, highlighting the importance of timely exposure to learning opportunities.

• Quality of Early Experiences: The nature and quality of early experiences critically shape cognitive development. For example, children who experience low-quality environments, such as those in institutional settings, may show delayed cognitive abilities compared to those in nurturing settings like foster care.

Speech and Language Development

Acquisition of Auditory Processing:

• Effective language acquisition begins with repeated exposure to the native language, which helps children create auditory mental maps. This developmental process starts at birth and is significantly enriched through interactive communication with caregivers.

Role of Memory:

• Strong memory capabilities are vital for successful language acquisition. Children facing memory challenges are often hindered in both expressive and receptive language skills.

• Key milestones: Better recognition and recall at 12 months are predictive of language skills at 36 months, emphasizing the significance of early cognitive and memory skills in language development.

Attention and Joint Attention

Attention:

• Attention is crucial for language acquisition; it holds the ability to engage, maintain, disengage, and shift focus towards stimuli, enabling learners to process language effectively.

Joint Attention:

• Defined as the shared focus between two individuals on a particular object or event. Joint attention is fundamental for language learning, as it promotes mutual understanding and communication. Deficits in joint attention are often observed in children with autism spectrum disorders, affecting their language development.

EXAM 1 ENDS HERE

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Representational Competence

Definition:

• Representational competence is the ability to abstract experiences and symbolically represent them, forming the basis for complex cognitive operations.

Schemas:

• Schemas are mental frameworks developed from individual experiences, which help form expectations about various objects and events in their environment. An understanding of abstract concepts, such as categories like 'chair,' evolves from a wealth of concrete experiences.

Mental Maps:

• Mental maps comprise networks of interconnected concepts that facilitate the storage and retrieval of information, ultimately forming schemas. Research indicates a positive correlation between the quantity of language exposure a child receives and their cognitive abilities.

Conclusion on Language Acquisition

Importance of Early Language Exposure:

• Engaging in talk and reading with children is crucial for fostering their cognitive development. By 7 months, infants may begin to recognize 1-2 words; by the age of 9-13 months, they often demonstrate an understanding of words within specific contexts apart from mere sounds. This underscores the importance of early linguistic interactions for cognitive growth.