What type of development involves critical thinking and problem-solving?

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Study for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Exam with detailed questions, flashcards, and explanations to help you succeed!

Cognitive development is the domain that encompasses critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This area focuses on how children acquire, process, and apply knowledge. It involves the development of skills such as reasoning, memory, and the ability to make connections between concepts. As children grow, they begin to understand their environment better and can think critically about the information presented to them, which aids in problem-solving.

In contrast, emotional development refers to the ability to identify, understand, and manage one's emotions, as well as to develop empathy for others. Physical development focuses on the growth and strengthening of the body and motor skills. Language development pertains to the ability to communicate effectively through spoken and written words. While all these types of development are interrelated and influence one another, critical thinking and problem-solving are specifically integral to cognitive development.