Uncovering the Genius of Young Minds with Joel Werner
We used to believe that babies and young children had irrational and naive thinking skills. Developments in psychology and neuroscience now reveal that infants are actually smarter, more thoughtful, and have a different consciousness to adults. Children’s exploratory and creative style of thinking may even inform improved AI design.
Ever wondered what’s really going on in the mind of a toddler? In this episode of 'All In The Mind', science broadcaster Joel Werner teams up with his three-year-old son, Finn, to dive into the fascinating world of infant and child psychology. Forget what you thought you knew about young children being irrational or naive. Modern psychology and neuroscience reveal that infants are incredibly smart and possess a unique consciousness distinct from adults.
Through playful exploration, they demonstrate creative thinking that could even inspire advancements in artificial intelligence. Joel and Finn’s journey includes fun experiments with the blicket machine, a tool used to study statistical learning, and discussions on the effectiveness of play-based learning over traditional tests. They also explore the concept of 'flow', a state of deep focus and enjoyment, which is often seen in children's play.
The episode even takes a whimsical turn as they ponder the possibilities of communicating with aliens. This engaging and informative episode challenges preconceived notions about young minds and offers fresh insights into how we can better understand and nurture children’s cognitive abilities.