Download What does it mean to say that something is “innate”? Discuss

What does it mean to say that something is “innate”? Discuss representational,
architectural, and chronotopic innateness, providing examples of each. (pp. 8-10 of text
and Powerpoint Slides #8-16).
Definition of “innate” as used by developmental psychologists – Some genetically based
“constraints” on behavior or development (expand some). Three types of innateness (or
constraints) (Elman et al.):
Representational constraints (or representational innateness)
Representations that are hardwired into the brain so that some types of “knowledge” are
innate.
Knowledge of objects (e.g., from core-knowledge perspective of Spelke)
Universal grammar (Chomsky; Pinker)
Architectural constraints (or architectural innateness)
Ways in which the architecture of the brain is organized at birth, thus limiting the way
information can be processed and understood.
Inhibitory versus excitatory neurons
Global organization (what’s connected to what)
e.g., Face processing in 6- and 9-month olds of monkey vs. human faces
Chronotopic constraints (or chronotopic innateness)
Limitations on the developmental timing of events, affecting what can be acquired when.
Critical (sensitive) periods (e.g., language; aspects of perceptual development)