Juan Carlos Gómez - Böcker

What can the study of young monkeys and apes tell us about the minds of young humans? In this fascinating introduction to the study of primate minds, Juan Carlos Gómez identifies evolutionary resemblances—and differences—between human children and other primates. He argues that primate minds are best understood not as fixed collections of specialized cognitive capacities, but more dynamically, as a range of abilities that can surpass their original adaptations.In a lively overview of a distinguished body of cognitive developmental research among nonhuman primates, Gómez looks at knowledge of the physical world, causal reasoning (including the chimpanzee-like errors that human children make), and the contentious subjects of ape language, theory of mind, and imitation. Attempts to teach language to chimpanzees, as well as studies of the quality of some primate vocal communication in the wild, make a powerful case that primates have a natural capacity for relatively sophisticated communication, and considerable power to learn when humans teach them.Gómez concludes that for all cognitive psychology’s interest in perception, information processing, and reasoning, some essential functions of mental life are based on ideas that cannot be explicitly articulated. Nonhuman and human primates alike rely on implicit knowledge. Studying nonhuman primates helps us to understand this perplexing aspect of all primate minds.

Research on autism has flourished in recent years. As a result, specialism has developed and lines of research have become specialized and isolated. This collection of research on autism spectrum disorders investigates and cross-references a wide range of neurocognitive, clinical, and interventionist perspectives on autistic spectrum disorders research – from functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies to naturalistic intervention. Accessible to students, parents and practitioners, Autism provides an overview of high profile research Features contributions from teams at the forefront of research output in the UK, Europe and the United States Introductory and concluding chapters highlighting major research themes while exploring broader issues on the integration of autism research,

Research on autism has flourished in recent years. As a result, specialism has developed and lines of research have become specialized and isolated. This collection of research on autism spectrum disorders investigates and cross-references a wide range of neurocognitive, clinical, and interventionist perspectives on autistic spectrum disorders research – from functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies to naturalistic intervention. Accessible to students, parents and practitioners, Autism provides an overview of high profile research Features contributions from teams at the forefront of research output in the UK, Europe and the United States Introductory and concluding chapters highlighting major research themes while exploring broader issues on the integration of autism research,