Four experiments examined very young infants' expectations about containment events. Found that 2- to 3.5-month-olds recognized that objects could be lowered inside a container with an open but not a closed top. Three-and-a-half-month-olds realized that objects could not pass through the container's back wall and should have moved with it to a new…

Explores the notion of practical wisdom as an alternative to current formulations of critical thinking. Concludes that practical wisdom, unlike critical thinking, allows one to address uncertainty and ambiguity, and recognize that thinking is much more than an intellectual cognitive act of an individual. (KS)

Examined children's readings of wordless picture books to explore ways they assign meaning to visual signs and cues. Found that children used processes similar to those for reading print-based texts; constructing meaning using prior learning, attention to intertextual clues, multiple perspective taking, reliance upon story language and rituals;…

Considers cognitive development in mathematics and its relationship to computer technology with special emphasis on the use of visual imagery and symbols and the later shift to formal axiomatic theories. Presents empirical evidence to show how these forms of thinking are enhanced, changed, or impeded by the use of technology. (Contains 36…

Studied a new approach, based on Rasch model item response theory, to age equivalence scores as a basis for mental age and the calculation of ratio IQ. Results for 1,719 children and adolescents suggest that the new ratio IQ had consistent criterion and construct-related validity at the same level as standard-score IQ. (SLD)

This study investigated whether deafness contributes to enhancement of visual spatial cognition, independent of knowledge of sign language. Comparison of 12 congenitally deaf children not exposed to sign language and 12 matched hearing controls found that the groups did not differ in their performance on visual spatial skills tests. (Author/DB)

Discusses principles of learning and instructional theories and relates them to instruction in academic library user education. Highlights include a conceptual approach, Gagne's hierarchical knowledge and instructional design, Merrill's instructional theory, Reigeluth's elaboration theory, Kolb's experiential learning, Perry's cognitive…

Examined age and gender differences regarding the nature, meaning, and function of cherished possessions. Among the significant differences found were that younger children were egocentric in meanings assigned to cherished possessions, whereas older children held social relationships meaningful; females favored items to be contemplated, while…

Explored four- to six-year olds' approach to drawing and related writing tasks. Participants, unschooled in writing, were asked to depict common objects with a drawing and a written name. Analysis of videotape revealed systematic differences (random, continuous marks versus discrete, left-to-right marks). Results suggest that young children have…

This study attempts to rebut criticisms of the developmental theories of Jean Piaget by showing that most criticisms derive from misinterpretation and forget the dialectical, constructivist, and developmental nature of Piaget's work. Important aspects of Piaget's theory have not been assimilated by developmental psychologists. (SLD)

In response to a previous article (Bialystok) on perspectives on the development of applied linguistics, this article begins by adding its own perspectives to what has already been offered. The article concludes by discussing the research agenda for the future. (Author/JL)

Four studies examined the influence of essentialist information such as internal properties and perceptual similarity on 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds' interpretations of labels. Results suggested that children have essentialist beliefs about animals, but not about artifacts, and that these beliefs interact with children's assumptions about word meaning…

Maintains that Muller and Overton (1998) misrepresent her theory of infant concept formation in infancy, makes corrections to their representation, and notes that her theory was developed in part because of the lack of detailed mechanisms in Piaget's theory to account for concept formation. Argues that Muller and Overton's proposed alternative…

Presents a study in which participants were trained on nine single-digit multiplication problems over three sessions. Transfer of practice was tested with nine different multiplication problems in the fourth session for half the participants. Interprets problem-size, transfer, and retention effects within a network-interference model of mental…

Discusses the four planes of development and the periods of creation and crystallization within each plane. Identifies the type of independence that should be achieved by the end of the first two planes of development. Maintains that it is through individual work on the environment that one achieves independence. (KB)