The Developmental Area

Question 1

State the principles of the developmental area.

Answer 1

Behaviour develops over time throughout a person’s life. Upbringing and childhood experiences affect adult behaviour.

Question 2

State the 5 concepts of the developmental area.

Answer 2

• External influences on children’s behaviour
• Moral development
• Stages of development
• Social learning
• Operant conditioning

Question 3

State 3 applications of the developmental area.

Answer 3

1. Social learning theory encourages particular behaviours through observing and imitating a role model.
2. Positive and negative reinforcement to learn particular behaviours.
3. Apply moral development stages to understand behaviour.

Question 4

State 3 strengths of the developmental area.

Answer 4

1. Longitudinal research is so that we can see how behaviour develops.
2. It often has practical applications for parents and teachers.
3. Helps investigate whether behaviour is influenced by nature or nurture.

Question 5

State 3 weaknesses of the developmental area.

Answer 5

1. Often uses children (ethical issues can arise).
2. Research can be socially sensitive if it leads to parents being blamed for poor behaviour.
3. Often ethnocentric as parenting and upbringing vary across cultures.