IndexIntroductionThe contributions of neuroscience to our understanding of cognitive developmentEffects of early experiences on the brain, body, mind, behavior and genetic expressionNurturing touch and its impact on stress reactivity and cognitive developmentNurturing the touch and emotional sensitivity Human cognitive developmentConclusionIntroductionIn its most basic definitive form, the scientific study of mental processes and behaviors is defined as psychology. Behaviors are any action or reaction that can be directly observed while mental processes include internal processes such as feelings, thoughts and desires; most of which can only be observed indirectly (Compton, 2003; p.121). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay However, recent advances in biotechnology have begun to make it possible to examine some of these internal processes more directly through neuroscience. By definition, neuroscience is the study of the brain and its nervous system. Although neuroscience is a relatively new field, studies have shown that as more research is conducted in this field, it appears that much of the mental processes and mental behaviors of human beings – which constitute the interest in psychological study – they are correlatively intertwined with the brain and its nervous system (Diamond & Amso, 2008; p.137). Consequently, this constitutes one of the main and fundamental reasons why it is of great importance for us to develop a better understanding of how our brain and nervous system work. and their intimate intertwining with psychology. This is a phenomenal course considering that the brain and nervous system control not only our behaviors but also other psychological developments; in particular, the cognitive development of our body. This article will provide an extensive discussion of how these fields of neuroscience and psychology have become increasingly inseparable when it comes to understanding our primary forms of cognitive development. Contributions of Neuroscience to Our Understanding of Cognitive Development There is no doubt that the field of psychology has become central to ongoing efforts that are intended not only to advance our knowledge but also to improve our understanding of psychiatric disorders that affect humans. It is equally important to note that some of these efforts are also intended to seek possible forms of treatment that can be adapted to combat such disorders (Diamond & Amso, 2008; p.137). For decades now, statistically driven psychological studies, among other psychoanalysis, of human psychology have proven insufficient to understand the biological roots of some mental disorders that affect the human mind. This is why it is extremely important to have more than just practical knowledge; particularly, in the hard medical sciences. Remarkable enough, in its basic form; This is where neuroscience comes in handy in supporting human psychological studies that aim to improve cognitive understanding and development of the human body. Fast forward, one of the most phenomenal contributions that neuroscience has made to our contemporary understanding of the psychological perspective on the cognitive development of the human body is the demonstration that brain, mind, and body are so intimately intertwined that one cannot function entirely without the help of the other (Compton, 2003; p.123-4). However, in today's field of psychology, behavioral outcomes are still considered insomewhat controversial – requiring the adequacy that underlies only biological mechanisms such as neuroscience (Diamond & Amso, 2008; p.137). As a result, neuroscience has shown that it can help identify cognitive issues or problems early enough before they can be observed through behavioral changes – and, therefore, promising intervention mechanisms in psychology. Effects of early experiences on the brain, body, mind, behavior and genetic expression From previous neuroscientific research and the results of neurobiological studies, it has ironically emerged that human biology has never been, and should never be considered, the destiny of human psychology. human beings – and, deservedly, this has been one of the most fundamental discoveries in modern neuroscientific research and its relation to human psychology and psychological developments (Diamond & Amso, 2008; p.138). Interestingly, some recent neuroscientific research findings have demonstrated that experience can shape the brain, mind, and even genetic expression of human beings beyond our contemporary imagination. This is an exquisite discovery that makes a profound contribution to the fact that neuroscience has become central to the advancement of cognitive developmental theory of human psychology – the area that in the recent past has been the scene of controversial debates regarding the role of nature and the environment in life. social psychology (Compton, 2003; p. 118-9). Consequently, one of the first studies on killer experience-induced plasticity in this neuroscientific and psychological research on the brain is an article published in Science Journal in which researchers argue that it is high time that neuroscience began to place more emphasis on some sensory systems such as the sense of touch, which have received less attention from psychologists when it comes to understanding human cognitive development (Schangerg, Butler & Suskind, 1978; p. 447). Its impact on stress reactivity and cognitive development Results of experimental research on the cognitive development of rats have shown demonstrative evidence that maternal rats who tend to not only lick but also groom their pups are more likely to produce more active offspring . In other words, they are more likely to produce children who can explore more, become less fearful, and who may show milder reactions to anxiety and stress – among others, most of which may lead to the preservation of better cognitive abilities – throughout their lives. human lives (Day, Liu, Meaney, Diorio & Francis, 2000; p.801-2). One of the most significant findings of Day and colleagues' research is that: More often than not, it is aspects or behavioral changes of the mother that induce or produce some of these changes rather than specific genetic profiles that produce either particular characteristics of the offspring or maternal styles. . To justify this statement, the same research results also underline that even puppies from mothers who cared for and licked very well are expected to show and behave better on a cognitive level in their adults, possessing characteristics such as less stress or anxiety, among other attributes of the constellation; they showed none of these signs or traits when raised by non-licking, non-grooming mothers and vice versa (Day et al., 2000; p.803). Furthermore, neuroscientific research has supposedly caused psychologists to begin to believe that one of the main causes of this type of behavioral induction by rats to their offspring is that they usually try to raise their pups in the same way in which they were bred; and so.