FIGURE 4.11 Problem solving often requires motor skills A major insight of dynamic-systems theories is that thinking would be pointless without motor capabilities. In these photos, a 12-month-old is shown knocking a barrier out of the way (left frame) and then grasping the edge of a cloth in order to pull the cloth, string, and toy toward him (right frame). If the infant lacked the motor dexterity to grasp the cloth or the strength to pull in the toy, his problem-solving processes would have been fruitless.

COURTESY OF PETER WILLATTS, UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE, SCOTLAND