B1 Factors affecting human growth and development – Nature / Nurture

Question 1

What may development be due to?

Answer 1

Development across the lifespan is a result of genetic or inherited factors – Gesell’s maturation theory.
* Development across the lifespan is a result of environmental factors – Bandura’s social learning theory.
* Both factors may play a part – stress-diathesis model..

Question 2

What is Bandura’s social learning theory?

Answer 2

Bandura’s Social Learning Theory
nurture theorists believe that a child is born with a
blank slate. The environment leads to the
development of skills and behaviour Children learn and copy aggressive behaviour by observing their role models / carers behaving aggressively.
Bobo Doll Experiment. Bandura says there are 4 stages of behavioural learning
1, Attention – The child notices the behaviour of another person which is usually the person closest to them
2, Retention – The child internalises the action by remembering what they have observed
3, Production – The child copies the behaviour at an appropriate moment
4, Motivation – Depending if there is positive or negative reinforcement the child will either imitate or resist the behaviour. Positive Reinforcement is where the behaviour is
repeated because of personal satisfaction or
rewards. Negative reinforcement is where the behaviour is not repeated to avoid being told off. Vicarious Reinforcement is where the child will copy behaviours that they see others gaining a reward for.

Question 3

What are criticisms of Bandura’s theory?

Answer 3

Criticisms
The Bandura theory doesn’t take into account the person’s biological state.
Genetic, brain and learning differences are rejected /
not taken into account

Question 4

What is Gesell’s maturation theory?

Answer 4

Gesell investigated large groups of children to
find skills and abilities they have in common
Gesell developed a maturation theory of child development. He considered that development is based on biology and genetic makeup. He believed there was a fixed prenatal sequence and after birth and although growth rates may vary, the sequence of how children develop does not.
Gessel (1925) formulated a cyclical spiral
divided into stages repeated throughout life.
Although Gessel acknowledged the
environment can influence, he believed that
this did not change the genetic makeup of a
child, but provided stability for genetics to
develop.
Milestones provide measures to show a child’s development and highlights any delays the child might have.
Development is predetermined and
environment has little influence (Nature v
Nurture

Question 5

What are criticisms of Gesell’s theory?

Answer 5

Gesell investigated large groups of children to
find skills and abilities they have in common
Gessel developed a maturation theory of child
development. He considered that development
is based on biology and genetic makeup. He
believed there was a fixed prenatal sequence
and after birth and although growth rates may
vary the sequence of how children develop
does not.
Gessel (1925) formulated a cyclical spiral
divided into stages repeated throughout life.
Although Gessel acknowledged the
environment can influence, he believed that
this did not change the genetic makeup of a
child, but provided stability for genetics to
develop.
Milestones provide measures to show a child’s
development and highlights any delays the
child might have
Development is predetermined and
environment has little influence (Nature v
Nurture