Human Growth and Development

Chapter 3: Cognitive and Social Domains Overview

This chapter delves into the interplay between our mental abilities (cognition) and how we connect with others (social development) across the lifespan. We'll explore how our thinking, learning, memory, and problem-solving skills (cognitive development) evolve from infancy to old age. We'll also examine the remarkable journey of language development, from babbling infants to fluent communicators. Furthermore, we'll investigate the concept of intelligence and how it manifests and potentially changes throughout life. Finally, the chapter will shed light on the ever-evolving social landscape we navigate, examining how we form attachments and develop relationships. Learning Objectives

At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

●​ Understand the core cognitive processes like memory and information processing ●​ Explain various developmental and learning theories and their theorists

●​ Describe individual differences and its influence ●​ Understand the role of language and how it develops ●​ Explain intelligence and social development throughout the lifespan A. Core Cognitive Processes

Cognitive development is the growth of thinking , reasoning , problem-solving , and memory abilities throughout life. It is influenced by biology, environment, and personal experiences. Each stage of life brings new chances to improve these skills. Attention Attention develops gradually throughout childhood, shaping the ability to focus, learn, and interact with the environment. From infancy onward, children refine their ability to concentrate, filter distractions, and engage in increasingly complex cognitive tasks. Infancy and Early Childhood ●​ At birth, babies react to sounds and sights. ●​ By 2 years old, children can focus on tasks for longer periods, like playing with puzzles. ●​ Selective attention (focusing on one thing and ignoring distractions) starts developing around 4-6 months. Example: A toddler playing with a favorite toy. ●​ Sustained attention (focusing for a long time) helps children learn new things. ●​ Divided attention (multitasking) starts improving between ages 6 and 12. Example: Listening to a teacher while taking notes.

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