This is one of a series of four books which form part of The Open University course Child Development. The series provides a detailed and thorough undergraduate-level introduction to the central concepts, theories, current issues and research evidence in developmental psychology. This book gives an up-to-date and accessible account of current views on how thinking and language develop during childhood. The chapters have been prepared by leading researchers in relevant fields in collaboration with members of The Open University course team. Starting from infancy, the book explores key aspects of cognitive and language development in childhood and adolescence. The book takes a broad view of the field, ranging from modern understandings of brain architecture and function through to the social and cultural bases of learning.