Pre- and perinatal brain development and enculturation : A biogenetic structural approach

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Psychobiology

Background:

• Infant cognitive abilities were historically underestimated.
• Emerging evidence suggests higher pre- and perinatal competence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence of early perceptual-cognitive competence.
• To discuss implications for neurognosis and enculturation theories.

Main Methods:

• Literature review incorporating pre- and perinatal psychology.
• Inclusion of developmental neuropsychology, psychobiology, and social psychophysiology.

Main Results:

• Significant perceptual-cognitive competence observed in pre- and perinatal humans.
• Evidence supports the biogenetic structural concept of neurognosis.

Conclusions:

• Early human competence has profound implications for enculturation theories.
• Further research in developmental neuropsychology is warranted.