Human Development
Development Across the Lifespan
Human development involves systematic changes and continuities across the lifespan. It includes physical, cognitive, emotional and socio-cultural dimensions.
Principles
Development is multidimensional and influenced by both heredity and environment. Different abilities develop at different rates, and development can involve gains as well as losses.
Stages
Development is commonly discussed through prenatal development, infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood. These stages are useful for study, but individuals do not develop in exactly identical ways or at identical ages.
Adolescence
Adolescence involves significant physical changes, increasing cognitive capacity, developing identity and changing relationships with family and peers. Social expectations and cultural contexts influence how adolescence is experienced.
Explained MCQs
- Which statement best reflects the nature–nurture relationship?
Answer: Development results from interaction between biological and environmental influences.
Explanation: Heredity provides biological possibilities, while experiences, nutrition, learning, relationships and culture influence development. - Why is adolescence not simply a period of physical change?
Answer: It also involves cognitive, emotional, social and identity-related changes.
Explanation: Development is multidimensional; physical maturation occurs alongside changes in reasoning, relationships and self-understanding.
Application
Two teenagers of the same age show different levels of independence. Give biological, family, educational and cultural factors that could contribute to this difference.