The Nativist-Empiricist Controversy in the Context of Recent Research on Spatial and Quantitative Development

2002/09/01 by Nora S. Newcombe · 5 citations
Mathematics · Psychology · Computer Science · #Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills #Child and Animal Learning Development #Cognitive Science and Mapping

paper · doi:10.1111/1467-9280.00471

openalex publication_date 2002/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

Demonstrations of cognitive competence in preschool children and infants played an important role in the waning influence of Piagetian theory and the rise of nativism. Arguments and data favoring modularity have further buttressed the casefor nativism. This article reviews evidence concerning early competence and modularity in the spatial and quantitative domains, as well as the role of experience in development. This evidence provides little reason to support nativist claims in either domain.

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