Studying Cognitive Development in Infants and Toddlers

Abstract

Understanding the development of cognition in infants and toddlers informs many aspects of our understanding of human cognition. Designing research to address such questions with infants and toddlers provides a number of logistical and theoretical challenges. These challenges inspire innovative experimental methods and techniques. This entry outlines some of the key methods and innovations used to investigate early cognitive development in this special population. The entry also covers some of the research considerations and best practices to successfully study this fascinating and important topic.

Adapting event‐related potential research paradigms for children: Considerations from research on the development of recognition memory

“…One challenge for developmental researchers is identifying how to effectively adapt ERP research paradigms for younger individuals. Many design considerations overlap with best practices for conducting developmental research generally (e.g., using age‐appropriate stimuli and instructions; Horst & Flack, 2020) and conducting electrophysiological research in adults (e.g., maximizing trial numbers; see Luck, 2014; Picton et al., 2000). However, there are some nuances of developmental cognitive electrophysiology that are worthy of discussion.…”