Review by Choice Review
Kellman and Arterberry describe the explosion in the amount of knowledge gained from research on infant perceptual ability in the last 25 years. They attempt to summarize what is now known, and they speculate on theoretical implications and age-old questions about the nature of development. Although the majority of the research is visual, there is some effort to include the other senses. The result is an admirable compendium, nicely interwoven with well-written explanatory narrative. The topic seems narrow--perceptual development within the first year or so of life--but perception is presented as the foundation of motor, social, and cognitive development, an essential first step in understanding later development. Kellman and Arterberry contrast two basic theoretical perspectives, the structuralist or constructivist approach of Piaget and others and the "ecological systems" approach of Gibson et al. The authors suggest current data favor the latter. An advanced undergraduate with some background in perception could find this book a valuable resource in making sense of a complex and heterogeneous area of research. Graduate students through faculty will also want it. K. L. Hartlep; California State University, Bakersfield
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
