Brain Development and Cognition: A Reader

"Brain Development and Cognition" aims to provide a comprehensive review of the emerging interface between cognitive neuroscience and the study of cognitive development. It is a collection of articles (some of which have been specially updated by their authors) and commissioned chapters which discuss the various ways, both direct and indirect, that theories and facts about brain growth should influence our thinking about cognitive processes and their development. The editor provides linking text to clarify the significance of the readings, both for those interested in cognitive development, and for those whose primary focus is understanding the neural base of thought. Taking a developmental approach to cognitive neuroscience allows one to study how the maturation of particular neural pathways and structures gives rise to advances in cognitive, perceptual and motor abilities. On the other hand, taking a cognitive neuroscience approach to development is important since some changes in cognitive abilities during childbirth may be attributable to brain maturation, and since cognitive theories derived from consideration of neural development are more likely to adequately capture processes of developmental change than are those derived from consideration of digital computer architectures. The book is aimed at advanced undergraduates and above in developmental cognitive neuroscience.

The first edition of this successful reader brought together key readings in the area of developmental cognitive neuroscience for students. Now updated in order to keep up with this fast-moving field, the volume includes new readings illustrating recent developments along with updated versions of previous contributions. These revisions ensure that the collection will remain a crucial resource for anyone teaching developmental cognitive neuroscience or cognitive development.

The reader is wide-ranging, covering every aspect of developmental cognitive neuroscience. New pieces for the second edition include writing on individual development and evolution, on the structural and functional development of the brain and on object recognition and sensitive periods, while articles updated include those on the neurobiology of cognitive and language processing and self-organization in developmental processes. The editors provide linking text to clarify the significance of each contribution.