Aims at clarifying the concept of the sensitive period. Differentiates imprinting and sensitivity and defines the latter as an interval of heightened responsiveness to certain kinds of stimuli. Argues that "sensitive period" is a descriptive, not an explanatory term which is consistent with an interactional approach to developmental…

Research on perceptual and cognitive capacities of the newborn has revealed that state variables typically interfere with or override the neonate's attentional and stimulus processing tendencies. This finding argues for the power of early state variables as behavioral determinants and, further, that neonatal state measures might provide good…

Reflects on G. Zivin's framework on the development of expressive behavior. Stresses the need to include noncognitive, as well as cognitive, affective activation in the framework, and the necessity for the adoption of an inclusive, synthesizing strategy at this stage of knowledge. (HOD)

Argues that in order to understand how the capacity for altruism develops and comes under self-control it is necessary first to understand the nature and development of the self-control. (MP)

Details some problematic features of G. Zivin's framework on the development of expressive behavior. (HOD)

Provides further support for the contention held by Thomas, Chess, and Korn (1982) that the concept of difficult temperament is not totally a construction of the parents. (MP)

Research relevant to the development of internal control of altruism is reviewed, and the need for integrating the various approaches to the study of altruism into one model is noted. (MP)

Comments on G. Zivin's model of expressive behavior development, presenting support for (1) affect-induced and (2) spontaneously generated emotion and expressive behavior. Argues that these phenomena are mediated by sensorimotor and sensory-perceptual processes. (HOD)

A total of 192 high-risk infants and 85 full-term healthy newborn infants were administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. A principal component analysis was performed separately for the high-risk and control infants. Results suggest that the high-risk infant is similar to the normal infant in behavioral development, especially when…

Evaluates the degree to which the social-referencing perspective provides a valid explanation of some features of infant behavior. (MP)

Administered The Matching Familiar Figures Test to 45 seven- and eight-year-olds to assess the relationship between cognitive style and temperamental variables such as distractibility, persistence, and mood. (HOD)

Reports findings of an investigation of the development of 54 children at 8 years of age with congenital rubella. Examines the relation between specific patterns of physical disability and cognitive and adaptive behavior. (ED)

Exploratory behavior of educationally mentally retarded 7- to 12-year-old children was compared to that of two independent groups of normal children matched on chronological and mental age. In a multidimensional assessment of exploration, results suggested that delays in exploratory behavior in retarded children are developmental in nature, and…

This study examines the existence of Oedipal conflicts and the relationship of social and cognitive factors to Oedipal conflicts. Forty children of three to six years were studied and found to show Oedipal behaviors that varied with age and changes in the children's social and cognitive understanding. (SH)

Provides data indicating that development occurs in cycles, with behavioral competencies appearing and developing and then disappearing only to reappear again in a more complex form at a later age. Data on conservation and auditory-manual coordination in infancy are used to support this theory. (ED)