Applying the Cultural Approach to Cognitive Development

Abstract

Cognitive development is a cultural process. More experienced cultural members and the practices, institutions, and artifacts of the culture provide support and guidance for children as they develop knowledge and thinking skills. In this article, the authors describe the value that is added to our understanding of cognitive development when cultural contributions are taken into account. They discuss theoretical and practical issues of cultural research with the aim of encouraging researchers to consider culture more centrally in their own work.