Rana Esseily
Papers
1
Total Citations
24
H-Index
1
About
Rana Esseily is a leading developmental psychologist whose research focuses on the origins of sensorimotor cognition and social learning in infancy. Her work explores how babies detect sensorimotor contingencies—the causal links between their own actions and sensory outcomes—a foundational ability for exploring their bodies and environments. Esseily’s comprehensive review on this topic, published in 2020, synthesizes evidence that infants demonstrate this capacity from birth and even in utero, highlighting its role in early motor and social development. With 24 citations, this influential paper has shaped understanding of how preverbal infants learn through action–effect associations. Her broader contributions include pioneering studies on imitation, goal-directed behavior, and the role of social partners in infant learning. Esseily’s research bridges developmental psychology and cognitive science, offering insights into the building blocks of human cognition. Her work is widely cited by scholars studying early motor development, social cognition, and the emergence of intentional action, making her a key voice in contemporary infancy research.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1