Fundamentals of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

A thorough introduction to human behaviour and brain development, from the prenatal period through to infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Heather Bortfeld (Author), Silvia A. Bunge (Author)

9781108712569, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 1 February 2024

506 pages
25.3 x 20.5 x 2.3 cm, 1.21 kg

'In Fundamentals of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Bortfeld and Bunge provide the first comprehensive textbook covering this important topic, with a highly engaging but deeply referenced text addressing essential foundations, central concepts, and key research findings across the field. A must-adopt!' Janet F. Werker, University of British Columbia

An exciting introduction to the scientific interface between biological studies of the brain and behavioural studies of human development. The authors trace the field from its roots in developmental psychology and neuroscience, and highlight some of the most persuasive research findings before anticipating future directions the field may take. They begin with a brief orientation of the brain, along with genetics and epigenetics, and then summarise brain development and plasticity. Later chapters detail the neurodevelopmental basis of a wide variety of human competencies, including perception, language comprehension, socioemotional development, memory systems, literacy and numeracy, and self-regulation. Suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in developmental cognition or neuroscience, this textbook covers the prenatal period through to infancy, childhood, and adolescence. It is pedagogically rich, featuring interviews with leading researchers, learning objectives, review questions, further-reading recommendations, and numerous colour figures. Instructor teaching is supported by lecture slides and a test bank.

1. Introduction to Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
2. Methods and Populations
3. Genes and Epigenetics
4. Brain Development
5. Brain Plasticity
6. Attention and Perception
7. Social Cognition
8. Language Learning and Social Interaction
9. Memory Systems
10. Working Memory and Executive Functions
11. Language and Literacy
12. Numeracy
13. Motivated Behavior and Self-Control
14. Key Themes and Future Directions.

Subject Areas: Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR]