Question

Dr. Cortez, a pediatrician, focuses on the biological factors that influence physical development. In his view, children learn to walk only after they can stand and crawl. His wife reminds him that their children learned to walk at somewhat different ages, depending on how often each child was willing to practice walking with her. From this information, you might assume that Dr. Cortez believes that physical development is primarily influenced by __________ and his wife believes that it is mainly affected by __________. a. maturation; nature b. maturation; nurture c. assimilation; nature d. assimilation; nurture

Short answer

b. maturation; nurture

Step-by-step solution

Define terms

Before making the choice, let's understand the key terms: - Maturation: the process of maturing or growing, typically involving biological development. - Nature: refers to the genetic and biological factors that influence development. - Nurture: refers to environmental factors, such as experiences and upbringing that influence development. - Assimilation: the integration of new knowledge or information into already existing schemas or cognitive structures.

Match beliefs of Dr. Cortez and his wife with terms

Dr. Cortez believes that children learn to walk only after they can stand and crawl, which indicates a focus on the biological and genetic factors, or maturation. His wife, on the other hand, highlights the importance of practice and the child's willingness, suggesting the role of environmental factors or experiences on development, which can be linked to nurture.

Select the correct answer choice

Based on step 2, Dr. Cortez's belief aligns with 'maturation' and his wife's belief aligns with 'nurture'. Therefore, the correct answer is: b. maturation; nurture

Key concepts

Physical Development

Physical development refers to the changes in a child's body and abilities over time. These changes occur in a predictable sequence and involve both growth, such as size and weight, and the development of motor skills. For instance, most children learn to lift their heads before they can sit up, crawl before they stand, and walk only after mastering these previous steps. This sequence shows the complex nature of physical development.

• Physical development is guided by both genetic and biological factors, which are influenced by the natural unfolding of biological processes, commonly known as maturation.
• However, the environment also plays a crucial role, as children develop their physical skills through interaction with their surroundings and practice.

Children exhibit individual differences in the ages at which they achieve developmental milestones. This can occur due to variations in biological factors or environmental interactions. Therefore, both nurturing environments and biological readiness are vital for healthy physical development.

Biological Factors in Development

Biological factors in development refer to the aspects that stem from the inherited genetic makeup and other biological mechanisms that impact a child's growth. These factors set the foundation for development and include genes, brain chemistry, and hormonal systems.

• Genetic predispositions determine traits such as potential height, risk for certain diseases, and even tendencies for specific physical skills.
• The brain's structure and function, influenced by genetic factors, play a major role in development, affecting areas like motor control and sensory processing.
• Hormonal changes are especially significant during puberty, driving distinctive physical and emotional development stages.

While biological factors play a vital role, they are not the sole determinants of development. The interplay between these factors and environmental inputs creates the unique developmental pathways for each individual.

Environmental Influences on Development

Environmental influences encompass everything around an individual that can affect development. This includes immediate contexts such as family and school, as well as broader societal influences.

• Family environment is pivotal, providing love, support, and opportunities for learning, shaping both emotional and physical growth.
• Schools contribute to development by offering structured opportunities for learning and social interaction, promoting cognitive and social skills.
• Culture and societal norms influence behaviors, expectations, and even parenting styles that shape development.

An enriching environment can boost physical and mental development, while adverse conditions can hinder progress. Environments that encourage exploration, provide positive reinforcement, and support learning enable children to achieve their potential and develop healthy physical and emotional skills. The interactions between these environmental factors and biological predispositions define the developmental journey of each child.