This research explored the development of one insight about the mind, namely, the belief that people's trains of thought differ even when they see the same stimulus. In Study 1, 5-year-olds, 9-year-olds, and adults heard stories about characters who saw the same object. Although the older groups predicted the object would trigger different trains…

Examines the assumptions about infant development that underlie infant intervention programs. Focuses on four popular ideas: that environment is the sole determinant of development; that development is linear and continuous; that early experiences carry more weight than later experiences; and that providing a more "stimulating"…

In discussing cognitive development in infants, the article focuses on how the infant brain is taught to learn, what the learning mechanisms are (events that happen at synaptic contacts between nerve cells that lead to learning and memory), what causes mental retardation, and what can be done to prevent or reverse mental retardation. (SM)

Reports on day-care and preschool programs in Czechoslovakia and East Germany, describing infant-toddler care, preschool programs, research projects, parent involvement, and future trends. (DB)

Explores the mathematical abilities of human infants compared with various species of animals. Studies indicate that human infants enter the world capable of doing simple mathematical operations. Nonhuman animals can discriminate among sets of objects based on the number of items in each set. Further studies may pinpoint the age at which children…

The value of infant stimulation is stressed in a report on the characteristics of infant development. The following five areas of development are discussed: sensorimotor, language, mental, emotional, and social. Stages of development during the first year in each of the areas are surveyed, and traditions in different countries are highlighted to…

A Swedish report on day care for children between the ages of 7 months and 3 years is summarized in English in this document. Preparation of the original report involved reviewing Swedish and foreign research concerning day nursery for the very young and conducting exploratory and evaluative studies of small children in day nurseries. Chapter by…

Recent research on early brain development holds several implications for parents, teachers, health professionals, and policymakers. This report, based on the proceedings from a 1996 national conference on the importance of early brain development for the nation's future well-being, highlights major findings, summarizes their implications for…