Behavior and the Brain: Mediation of Acquired Skills

Cross-Cultural Research • Vol/Iss. 45 • Sage • • Published In • Pages: 178-207 •
By Raybeck, Douglas, Ngo, Paul

Abstract

What is the relationship between childhood experiences and adult skills? The authors of this article hypothesize that early learning situations can result in psychological effects which can later be reflected in adult skills. To test this hypothesis, they investigate how specific childhood activities which stimulate gestalt brain development, such as creative games and holistic learning experiences, translate into adult gestalt skills, such as complex representations of their environments and originality of art. Through a systems approach which employs three levels of analysis- neurophysiology, psychology, and anthropology- the authors find that children's games and learning techniques are correlated with adult environmental representation and artistic originality, ultimately supporting their hypothesis.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearchers' own28 culture sample supplemented by ethnographies from HRAF and other researchers.
Human Relations Area FilesResearchers' own
Other ethnographiesResearchers' own

Hypotheses (1)

HypothesisSupported
Certain kinds of childhood experiences (e.g. games involving complex imaging) will predict gestalt skills in adulthood (such as complex environmental representations and artistic originality).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: isanaraja