The Cognitive Significance of Children's Play: A Review of Selected Research

Abstract

This review focuses on research studies that have investigated the effects of play on children's cognitive growth. Three groups of investigations are reviewed: (1) correlational studies, (2) experimental studies, and (3) play-training studies. The results of these investigations indicate that play and play training can result in short-term improvements in divergent thinking, problem-solving ability, verbal intelligence, and several other cognitive performance variables. The educational implications of these findings are discussed. The review concludes by pointing out the need for longitudinal research to assess the long-term effects of play on children's cognitive growth and academic achievement.