Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Experience is Instrumental in Tuning a Link Between Language and Cognition: Evidence from 6- to 7- Month-Old Infants' Object Categorization
Published on: April 19, 2017
[Influences of rearing style on the intellectual development of infants]
1Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China.
Insights
Promoting infant movement and outdoor activities enhances cognitive and motor skills. Parental education and family involvement significantly benefit early childhood development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Early Childhood Education
Context:
- Infant development is susceptible to early life factors.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing intellectual growth.
- Early intervention strategies can mitigate developmental imbalances.
Purpose:
- To investigate factors influencing intellectual development in infants.
- To identify optimal infant-rearing practices for better developmental outcomes.
- To assess the impact of various environmental and social factors on infant development.
Summary:
- Gesell Developmental Schedules were used to assess 68 three-month-old infants.
- Key findings indicate adaptive, language, and personal-social behaviors outpace gross and fine motor skills.
- Opportunities for movement, outdoor activities, parental education, and multi-person caregiving positively correlate with infant development.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of physical activity and environmental stimulation for infant development.
- Suggests practical strategies for parents and caregivers to foster optimal infant growth.
- Emphasizes the role of education and social interaction in early childhood intellectual development.
Abstract:
The factors causing the imbalance on intellectual development of infants in the early period after birth were studied and some better styles of rearing infants were found. The developmental quotient in 68 infants of 3-months-old was tested with Gesell Developmental Schedules and the style for rearing infants was obtained by inquiring their parents. The results showed that: (1) the development of adaptive behavior, language and personal--social behavior was better than that of gross motor and fine motor; (2) giving infants opportunity to move could make the development of adaptive behavior, gross motor and fine motor better. The development of fine motor could be hampered if a pair of mitten was put on hands to avoid scratching infant own face. Out doors activities were more important on the development of adaptive behavior, gross motor, fine motor and personal--social behavior; (3) in addition to the mother, with the cooperation of grandparents or father to look after infants was better. The higher education level of parents always associated with a better mental development of infants; (4) the complex structure with more people in a family make the development of language better. It is suggested that if parents have more knowledge on caring infants, give infants more opportunity to move and communicate with other people, it would be beneficial to the development of infants.
Related Concept Videos
Environmental Influences on Intelligence
The Nativist Approach
Biological Influences on Intelligence
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition

