Domain-general learning

Domain-general learning theories of development hold that we develop a global knowledge structure which contains cohesive, whole knowledge internalized from experience. Domains of knowledge are thus interdependent, and training in one domain may well affect performance in another domain.

For example, the influential developmental psychologist Jean Piaget believed that we form cohesive knowledge structures. By contrast, core knowledge theorists believe we have highly specialized functions that are independent of one another, adhering instead to a domain-specific learning theory of development.