Cognitive Development and Individual Variability

Dear Colleagues,

The standard cognitive developmental approach still consists of cross-sectional studies comparing different ages. However, it has long been shown, for instance, by means of longitudinal studies, that the results are rather different when viewed from a longitudinal perspective. Moreover, there are very few studies adopting a multivariate design rather than a univariate one. As a result, we know little about intraindividual variability across tasks. The focus has systematically been on groups and not on individuals. The necessity to focus on the individual has been repeatedly emphasized, most recently in very important papers by Nesselroade and Molenaar. However, results are systematically presented based on aggregated data. Anecdotic but very illustrative can be the following statement recently read in a review: “The findings make a compelling case that intraindividual variability exists but not such a strong case that it matters. Said another way, measuring such variability often increases the testing burden on participants and researchers alike, sometimes substantially. What deep theoretical insights are likely to justify the extra effort? Many readers may conclude something like, ‘Yeah, interesting, but not worth the time, effort, and cost’.” This Special Issue represents a collective effort by authors coming from different geographical and theoretical horizons to convince the skeptical developmentalist that the effort is justified.

The general objective of the Special Issue is therefore to focus on intraindividual variability, whether within a task (“inconsistency”), across tasks (“dispersion”), and/or across years (“intraindividual change”), and of course on interindividual differences in intraindividual variability. Data from empirical studies will be presented and, whenever possible, compared with a more standard approach. For instance: a) comparing a focus on individual, developmental trajectories with the same data presented from a group perspective, or b) demonstrating that a focus on short-term intraindividual variability might lead to different results than the usual focus on the intraindividual mean. Modeling or simulation studies will also be used. The relevance of this focus for a better comprehension of cognitive development should remain at the forefront. Deadline for abstracts: as soon as possible, and for full papers: 15 November 2017.

Prof. Dr. Anik de Ribaupierre
Dr. Thierry Lecerf
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Articles demonstrating empirically the usefulness of a focus on individual variability are encouraged. Short communications are also welcome. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office and will be forwarded to the Guest Editors.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Intelligence is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) is waived for well-prepared manuscripts submitted to this issue. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.