This paper proposes a reading model based on the metaphorical usage of neurobiological knowledge. The basic units, organization, and functioning of the Nurogen Model are described. The model's empirical scope is discussed focusing on letter and word perception, theme effects in comprehension, and the influences of text characteristics upon…

The Neuro-Cognitive Education Project (NEP), a cognitive reeducation program for the head-injured child, was evaluated. Results indicated differential increases on certain measures of adaptive functioning among the intervention group but little improvement in cognitive functioning. (DB)

This study examines the learning of a gross motor coincidence timing task by children with learning difficulties, compared with that by children of average intelligence of an equivalent chronological age and mental age. Results are discussed. (Author/MT)

Recent studies on the biological development of the prefrontal cortex in rhesus monkeys are reviewed. These studies have elucidated the basic neural circuitry underlying the delayed-response function in adult nonhuman primates and suggest that a critical mass of cortical synapses is important for the emergence of this cognitive function. (BN)

Discusses the relevance of the study of the neurobiology of cognitive development, for an understanding of both the neural bases and the nature of cognition. Also considered are the age at which hemisphere specialization first appears and whether hemisphere specialization changes over time. (PCB)

An analysis using data drawn from Nancy Bayley's Berkeley Growth Study is performed for didactic purposes to illustrate the use of structural equation modeling on a child development data set. Alternatives to standard latent factor approaches are demonstrated for use in research situations in which the subject-to-variable ratio is less than…

This study examined the relationship between cognitive style and information processing in preschoolers, and described developmental changes in their performance on a central-incidental learning task. Sixty preschoolers, in two age groups (mean ages of 4-1 and 4-11), were administered tests of reflection-impulsivity, field dependence-independence,…

Argues that cognition must be understood in context of real-life adaptation, making social cognition an important area of investigation. Advocates unified theoretical approach to encompass child and adult social-cognitive development and presents life-span model synthesizing work from child and adult social-cognitive literatures. Presents seven…

Examines Kail's argument that similarity in developmental speed-of-processing curves for name retrieval and mental rotation indicates that performance on a wide range of cognitive tasks is constrained by growth of a central limiting mechanism. Results suggest that operation of this mechanism is neither sufficient nor necessary to generate the…

The author describes his model of a synergistic approach to achieving success. His Personal Marketing Pyramid consists of four sciences: physiology, psychology, sociology, and philosophy. He uses examples related to success in a secretarial career. (CH)

Investigated preschoolers' understanding of two distance principles: the direct-indirect and the same-plus principle. Children did better on tasks relevant to the principles than on principle-irrelevant tasks. Concluded that even young children conceive of distance as fixed intervals. (SKC)

Presents a framework for relating degree of bilingualism to aspects of linguistic awareness. Found the more fully bilingual a child was, the better his or her performance on metalinguistic tasks requiring high levels of analysis of knowledge. (SKC)

A comparison of 28 mildly mentally retarded children with 28 children of average intelligence (mean mental age six years) in learning conservation skills found both groups benefited from Direct Instruction methods, but retarded children acquired only pseudoconservation from Observational Learning methods. Their learning was not tenacious and did…

Dual task procedures (finger tapping and associative memory) were used to examine developmental differences in the amount of mental effort required to deploy rehearsal and elaboration. Sixth-grade and college students participated. Some evidence for a developmental difference in mental effort was found. (TJH)

Four studies investigated whether inconsistency of children aged four to six on developmental tasks may reflect a misinterpretation of the experimenter's intent in communication under repeated questioning. (SKC)