Maturation Theory Flashcards
1
Q
What did gesell base his theories on
A
His belief that:
- development is genetically determined from birth
2
Q
What did he observe
A
- the behaviours of many children, from which he determined averages or ‘norms’ which he called milestones
- his milestones describe children’s physical emotional and social development
3
Q
What did he conclude
A
He concluded that development is predetermined and environment has little influence
4
Q
Strengths of his theory
A
- he determined norms that are still used today
- he used advance methodology in observations of behaviour of children
5
Q
Weaknesses
A
- does not take into account the influence the environment can have on a child
- not helpful in explaining individual or cultural differences, or for children with learning difficulties
