Leveraging research in early cognitive development for application and impact.

Abstract

Research in cognitive development has generally been aligned with the explication and understanding of basic mechanisms underlying change in mental development over time. We suggest here that work done in the measurement and assessment of granular cognitive functions be leveraged toward translational or applied work in order to realize enhanced impact and influence. Specifically, we propose the use of cognitive measures or performance on laboratory-based cognitive tasks as outcomes in clinical trials, as biobehavioral markers for developmental risk or disorders, and perhaps even as intervention methods per se. We argue that this strategy can address changing pressures in both public and private sponsorship as well as contribute to building stronger public support for research endeavors in the field.