Final answer:
During infancy, significant cognitive developments occur such as understanding the properties of objects, developing object permanence, and responding to verbal requests. These developments form the foundation for later cognitive abilities and highlight the importance of early interactions and environmental influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive Developments During Infancy
The types of cognitive developments that occur during infancy are critical to a child's growth. These developments pertain to how infants learn to understand the world around them. One influential theorist, Jean Piaget, posited that children slowly develop their understanding of objects as they mature. However, more recent studies challenge Piaget's timeline and indicate that babies may grasp complex concepts earlier than previously thought. For example, research has found that infants as young as 3 months old can demonstrate knowledge about the properties of objects without prior direct experience with them. This early form of object understanding includes expecting solidity and continuity; infants showed surprise when a solid object appeared to pass through another solid object, suggesting they understand that such events are not possible. Cognitive milestones during infancy also include shaking the head 'no' starting from 6-9 months, responding to verbal requests by 9-12 months, and developing object permanence by around 8 months of age.
These cognitive skills build the foundation for later more complex thought processes and learning. It is important for researchers to establish a baseline in order to understand the norms in cognitive development and to help identify and provide support for children who may have delays or difficulties, such as those with language problems.
As infants grow into toddlers, their cognitive abilities advance, leading to an increased capacity for problem-solving and communication. Understanding the sequence and timing of these developments can be crucial in pediatric healthcare and education. Furthermore, parental interactions and the environment play a significant role in nurturing and shaping these cognitive skills throughout early childhood