Experience-Driven Semantic Differentiation

Effects of a Naturalistic Experience on Within- and Across-Domain Differentiation in Children

Bibliographic Data

ID21301340
AuthorsCatarina Vales (0000-0002-6041-1085, Carnegie Mellon University, corresponding author), Sarah L States (0000-0002-4278-0901, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens), Anna V Fisher (0000-0002-6661-7922, Carnegie Mellon University)
Year2020
Volume91
Issue3
Pages733-742
Publication date2020-05-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChild Development (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0009-3920 • E-ISSN: 1467-8624
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1111/cdev.13369
PMID32436236
OpenAlexW3027515745
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited44

Organized semantic networks reflecting distinctions within and across domains of knowledge are critical for higher-level cognition. Thus, understanding how semantic structure changes with experience is a fundamental question in developmental science. This study probed changes in semantic structure in 4–6 year-old children (N = 29) as a result of participating in an enrichment program at a local botanical garden. This study presents the first direct evidence that (a) the accumulation of experience with items in a domain promoted increases in both within- and across-domain semantic differentiation, and that (b) this experience-driven semantic differentiation generalized to nonexperienced items. These findings have implications for understanding the role of experience in building semantic networks, and for conceptualizing the contribution of enrichment experiences to academic success

Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Domain (mathematical analysis) · Epistemology · Linguistics · Naturalism · Semantic network · Semantics (computer science) · Child and Animal Learning Development · Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills · Cognitive Science and Mapping · Computer Science · Psychology

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