My Perspective on Initial Lectures

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My Perspective on Initial Lectures

• Neil H. Schwartz, Ph.D.
• Professor of Psychology
• Fall 2008

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Structure
Refers to the framework of knowledge that
underlies behavior knowledge comprised of how
to put one leg in front of another to walk and
knowledge of how to solve an algebra problem, or
how to program a DVR, or how to set the table for
dinner. Cognition organizes this knowledge in
existing mental structures.
Function

• Refers to what we do with the cognitive system.
  (The action taken)
• Function is necessary for proper development to
  occur.
• Perceptions, retrieving information (memory),
  reasoning, making comparisons, making judgments,
  and problem solving.

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Cognition Its Development over Time

• Structure Function of cognition during
  development is bi-directional.
• Aspects of development are inter-related and
  integrated.
• Development is sequential, but not continuous.
  It is discontinuous.
• Change is both qualitative and quantitative.
• Bi-directionality of structure and function (both
  qualitative and quantitative change) the
  concept of Epigenesis but at all levels of an
  organism.

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Principle Trends in the Development of Cognition

• Children will use a developmental accomplishment
  over and over once it is acquired. Principle of
  Use
• Children will give cues to their environment when
  they are ready to move to the next developmental
  level.
• Children will seek out stimulation in order to
  develop.

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Transactional Influences Underlying Neurological
Development

• Proliferation---? Migration--? Differentiation
• Synaptogenesis and Apoptosis (Selective Cell
  Death Pruning Circuitry Recruitment)
• Experience-expectant/dependent processes
  neurological species-specific and
  individual/unique experiences.
• Critical Periods based on neurological
  preparedness

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Transaction between Genes and Environment
Parents Genes
Childs Genes
Passive Genotypic Effects
Influence on the Child
Environment
Parents Genes
Childs Genes
Evocative Genotypic Effects
Influence on the Child
Environment
Active Genotypic Effects
Parents Genes
Childs Genes
Influence on the Child
Environment