Cognitive Development in Infants Essay - 1892 Words

This paper is going to carry out a literature review on cognitive development in infants. The paper will review cognitive development in infants at different stages. Effects of early experience on mental development in infants will also be discussed. The research question and the hypothesis of the research will also be given. Keywords: infants, development, experience Cognitive Development in Infants Introduction Advancement made in regard to cognitive neuroscience has enabled a better understanding of the cognitive processes in infants. Studies have indicated that cognitive development in infants starts before they are born. In the eighth week of pregnancy, fetuses have the ability to hear. They become accustomed to their†¦show more content†¦This stage lasts from birth to twelve months. In this stage, infants gain knowledge about their surrounding by using their senses. (Clarke-Stewart, Gruber, Fitzgerald, 2007, p. 154). They recognize the faces of their caregivers and may respond to smiles. At these stage infants are generally attracted to bright colors, and show response to sound by turning towards the direction of the sound. Studies have indicated that infants between the ages of three and seven weeks have the ability to recognize shapes and pictures of human faces (Goswami, 1994, p. 376). Researchers have also investigated the development of working memory in infants. It has been established that working memory, that is, the ability to retain information in the brain increases with age. Infants aged five to seven months were found to be unable to retain more than three objects in their working memory. Fifty percent of infants aged twelve months had developed the capacity to retain more than three objects in their working memory. Studies have also indicated that at the age of six months, infants have the ability to memorize events. Infants, between the ages of 6 to 9 months have developed the cognitive ability to master object performance. Object performance refers to the ability of an infant to understand that objects do continue to exist even if out of sight. Development of object performance is also an indication that the infant has developed the ability of goalShow MoreRelatedPiaget Of The Infant Cognitive Development Essay2140 Words   |  9 PagesBackground In the context of infant cognitive development and its corresponding theories, Jean Piaget often serves as a key theorist. Often referred to with the metaphor of children as â€Å"explorers,† Piaget believed that children, from the moment of birth, are actively engaging with and exploring their surrounding environment. 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The security of attachment between an infant and their primary caregiver can have profound consequences for the developing brain, impacting an infant’s future relationships, self-esteem, and ability to self-regulate emotions (Carruth, 2006). Attachment theory, first theorized by John Bowlby (1988), stresses the significanceRead MoreObservation: Infant and Toddler Development1568 Words   |  7 PagesObservation: Infant and Toddler Development There are various factors that play a role in a child’s development. Based on several articles I will be discussing the physical, cognitive, and social development of infants and toddlers. The level of exposure to these various factors will determine how successful they develop in years to come. All children develop at their own rate and no two children are the same. 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