Cognitive theory of pretense: a separate mental workspace in the brain explains pretense¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The review describes a recently proposed "cognitive theory of pretense" (Nichols & Stich, 2000) which posits a "separate mental workspace" within the human brain to explain the phenomenon of pretense. The article presents it as emphasizing the importance of the play/cognition relationship for humans and pointing toward neuroscience collaboration in future research. The article notes it engages emotion, cognition, language, and sensorimotor actions, possibly promoting dense synaptic connections.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• No research has confirmed the theory, per the article; it serves as a proposed explanatory framework pointing toward neuroscience collaboration.

Constraints¶

• The article states "no research has confirmed this theory."

Target Learners¶

• young children (ages 1 through primary school)

Target Learning Objectives¶

• symbolic representation and pretense
• cognitive development

Claims¶

• High-quality pretend play is an important facilitator of perspective taking and later abstract thought [+M]

Related Theories¶

• Shared cognitive operations account: identity and reversibility underlie conservation, pretense play, and gender constancy

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Bergen, Doris. (2002). The Role of Pretend Play in Children's Cognitive Development. Early Childhood Research & Practice, v4 n1. http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v4n1/bergen.htm