Final answer:
In the past 20 years, our understanding of babies' intelligence-gathering and decision-making abilities has changed. Research has shown that babies actively gather information, make decisions, and learn through play. This has led to the recognition of babies as active learners with remarkable cognitive abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the past 20 years, our understanding of the intelligence-gathering and decision-making abilities of babies has significantly evolved. Previously, it was believed that babies were passive participants in the world around them. However, research conducted by Alison Gopnik and other scientists has shown that babies actively gather information, make decisions, and learn through play.
For example, studies have found that babies as young as three months old can recognize patterns and categorize objects based on their features. They can also engage in problem-solving activities and learn from their mistakes.
This shift in thinking has led to the realization that babies are not just simple observers of their environment, but active learners who possess remarkable cognitive abilities from a very early age.
Learn more about Babies' intelligence-gathering and decision-making abilities