A manifesto for a more scientific
approach to cognitive development in which the focus is firmly on the
mechanisms of change. Packed with detailed examples, this book is essential reading
for advanced students and researchers in cognitive development and will be of
interest to cognitive scientists more generally. – Mark H. Johnson, Director,
Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development,
This book – by one of the founders
of the field of computational developmental psychology – provides a
comprehensive and thorough overview of the field, as well as an articulate and
persuasive statement of Shultz’s own approach. Both beginning students and
advanced researchers will find it stimulating, informative, and
thought-provoking. – Jeff Elman, Professor of
Cognitive Science,
In the past, the few connectionist
models of child development have focused on language development. What makes
Tom Shultz’s book unique is the wide range of child development topics it
covers, in addition to language development. The book takes us from a primer on
connectionism to a chapter devoted to future directions of connectionist
modeling in child development. This book is an essential contribution to the
field. – Robert M. French, Quantitative Psychology and Cognitive Science,
This book is a significant contribution to the field because it builds a bridge between previously detached areas. The book confirmed my hunch that developmental psychology is an area that needs to become aware of the benefits of modeling systems. Audiences well served by this book include people who have interests in areas outside of modeling and need to catch up on a field that has made large advances in recent years, and graduate students interested in learning about these areas within the context of development. The book speaks well to both audiences because the author writes at a compelling level and takes the time to show the landscape and historical developments of the field. – Susan Hespos, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University