Discussion 8:

Write about the readings and videos. What interests you about cognition and individual differences and why?

Ndolias respond

The development of cognitive function is key in social-emotional development and is unique to everyone. Cognitive abilities tend to become stable once developed and differ among individuals. The individual differences that exist in human beings can be indicative of preferences in learning. Multiple intelligences such as linguistic, logical, musical, kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic and existential are affected by individual differences. For example, an individual may develop preferences in logical intelligence versus naturalistic intelligence which may mean the individual develops stronger cognitive abilities in the areas involving logical intelligence. individual differences in cognitive ability merely indicate interest in individual differences in cognitive strengths. Individuals differ in their cognitive styles and abilities, which means every individual is unique in their abilities and more importantly their cognitive preferences. Individuals learn and process information differently and so the material should be presented in various forms to meet this need.

It is interesting to observe children develop preferences in cognitions as they grow. These individual differences encourage diversity and uniqueness in learning and development. Each individual contributes a unique and individualized response to the learning environment.

Pashler et al (2008) conducted a literature review with the primary focus on analyzing data related to the efficacy of presenting learning material to individuals based on their identified preferences. After reviewing data, they stated more research was need and found no significance in the relationship between learning and individual differences. I was not expecting this conclusion and my interest in this subject has been peaked because for years I have learned and believed that teaching to each individuals preferences encourages successful learning.

References

Galotti, K. M. (2018). Cognitive Psychology: In and Out of the Laboratory (6th edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishing.

Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2008). Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9(3), 105119. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6053.2009.01038.x