Option 1

Option 1
To what extent can cognitive development be understood in terms of specialisation of function in specific structures of the brain?
INTRODUCTION
In relation to what extent cognitive development can be understood in terms of specialisation of specific structures of the brain, this assignment will observe and use developmental cognitive neuropsychology which explains and seeks to understand a functional relationship between the human brain and its function. In this assignment I will produce two contrasting theories within regards to the functional specialisation, I will accomplish this with study and analysis while debating which brain functions contest and develop by exploring specific key concepts of brain development such as contesting influences that the environment may have upon a maturing brain. Throughout this essay not only will I be discussing concepts of brain development but I will also briefly present the function of language and that it is reliant upon specific structures “Cortical” and whether a pre-specified “particular region” of the brain may have a role in supporting cognitive functions and finally in-turn by using evidence based research within relation to the pre-frontal cortex I will conclude this assignment.

In order to explain specialisation of function development of the brain, I will now associate functional specialisation and structural differentiation. There are particular cognitive functions and specific cortical areas in a typical “adult” brain, yet a developing brain (Prior to maturity) demonstrates constant increasing differences in structure and the function of cells which directly affects functional capacity due to structural changes. Mareschal, D. et al(2006). Specialised functions and particular types of information are a result in cortical areas highly efficient of the structural differention processes of neural pathways of dendritic growth and myelination. As reasons are unclear in the organisation of the

Cited: in Mareschal, D. et al(2006). Pp 145. Some say that cognitive development can be directly associated with structural development of this area yet others say a organisational role in gaining new skills. Adult cognition may be modular but challenges the concept of cognitive modules being stand-alone/independent and specific in nature. Mareschal, D. et al(2006). CONCLUSION In this assignment I have brought forward the various studies’s into specialisation of function in specific structures of the brain and giving an insight into “Cognitive development. In conclusion the specialisation of function and the development of brain structure are perhaps indefinite, but certain evidence and research give credible explanations into the organisation of the brain and its functional modules and how this process may occur. As well as presenting topics to support nativist and epigenetic theories I have demonstrated studies into language, the specific structures and specialised functions. Plasticity has the capacity to organise its-self within interaction of the environment. In nature Cognitive development is mainly modular and epigenetic. It is to this extent from Language to organisational roles acquiring new skills that cognitive development with in terms of specialisation of function in specific structures of the brain can be explored and studied.