Adventure as a Stimulus for Cognitive Development
Edward H. Cornell, Dianne C. Hadley, Treena M. Sterling, Melanie A.
Chan, & Patricia Boechler
Department of Psychology, University of Alberta
Abstract
As illustrated in two studies of the development of children's independent
way finding, the happenstance of adventure provides natural opportunities
to shape analytical and strategic thinking. Although they had not been
instructed, when walking to the limits of their home range, 12-year-olds
more than 8-year-olds selectively attended to environmental features with
good landmark qualities. There was evidence of learning: older children
who had recently experienced the requirements of leading the way to and
from a distant site increasingly noted landmarks in the skyline and landmarks
near intersections. Universal adventures of childhood may be especially
important for the development of sensitivity to contextual feedback and
flexibility in achieving goals.