Cognitive Development and Cognitive Neuroscience

Thoroughly revised and updated for its third edition, this vibrant, full-colour textbook delves into the latest advancements in cognitive neuroscience. It goes beyond Piaget and traditional theories, presenting a groundbreaking theoretical framework for understanding cognitive development through the lens of learning and emerging brain science.

Building on the framework for teaching cognitive development, the authors show how different cognitive domains, such as language, causal reasoning, and theory of mind, may emerge from automatic neural perceptual processes. This third edition introduces significant updates to reflect the latest research and broaden the scope of the text. Three new chapters have been added, providing an overview of theories explaining cognitive development, the methods used to study development, and a final chapter offering reflections that tie together the themes of the textbook. Expanded content throughout includes a new section on sample diversity, emphasising the importance of studying non-WEIRD populations, as well as a dedicated section on the teenage brain. Additionally, recent neuroimaging studies have been incorporated to provide cutting-edge insights into brain function and development.

This comprehensive textbook is essential for higher-level undergraduate students studying developmental and cognitive psychology, education, language, and the learning sciences. It is also a valuable resource for professionals and trainees working with children, offering a deeper understanding of cognitive development and its implications for learning and teaching.