Factors Shaping Cognitive Development by Kayla Mckercher

Genetics

kaylamckercher — 2025-09-21 21:32:59 UTC

Genetics provide the basic blueprint for cognitive development. Genes influence traits such as memory, attention, and problem-solving ability. However, genes interact with the environment, so development is never fully “fixed.”

Case study:
Twin Studies — Identical twins raised in different environments often show similar IQ levels, but environmental differences can still create noticeable gaps. This shows both strong genetic influence and environmental effects. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/EpigeneticsInfographic_FINAL.jpg

Environment

kaylamckercher — 2025-09-21 21:34:42 UTC

Summary
The environment a child grows up in — including family income, nutrition, and schooling — has a major impact on brain growth and learning. Supportive and enriched environments boost cognitive skills, while chronic stress can harm development.

Case study:
Abecedarian Project — Children from low-income families who received high-quality early education had higher IQ scores, better school performance, and long-term health benefits compared to those who did not. https://fpg.unc.edu/projects/abecedarian-project

Experiences

kaylamckercher — 2025-09-21 21:35:50 UTC

Summary:
Daily experiences — like play, conversation, and responsive caregiving — build the brain’s “wiring” for memory, language, and problem-solving. Early, repeated positive experiences strengthen skills for life.

Case study:
Perry Preschool Project — Disadvantaged children who attended this preschool program showed better school achievement, higher earnings as adults, and less involvement in crime compared to peers who did not attend. https://highscope.org/highscope/

Sources

kaylamckercher — 2025-09-21 21:36:50 UTC

Campbell, F. A., & Ramey, C. T. (1994). Effects of early intervention on intellectual and academic achievement: A follow-up study of children from low-income families. Child Development, 65(2), 684–698. https://doi.org/10.2307/1131408

Plomin, R. (2018). The new genetics of intelligence. Nature Reviews Genetics, 19(3), 148–159. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg.2017.104

Schweinhart, L. J., Montie, J., Xiang, Z., Barnett, W. S., Belfield, C. R., & Nores, M. (2005). Lifetime effects: The HighScope Perry Preschool study through age 40. HighScope Press. https://highscope.org/perry-preschool-project/

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2019). What is epigenetics? https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/what-is-epigenetics-and-how-does-it-relate-to-child-development/