Developmental Approach

Question 0

1st strength of the developmental approach

Answer 0

Offers explanation as to why individuals of differing ages demonstrate different intellectual abilities, social skills and emotional responses.
Eg Samuel and Bryant’s showed that as children get older their ability to conserve increases.

Question 1

Assumption of the developmental approach

Answer 1

It assumes that there are clearly identifiable systematic changes that occur in an individual’s behaviour from conception to death.

Question 2

2nd strength of the developmental approach

Answer 2

Adds to the continuing nature vs. nurture debate.
Eg Bandura shows that nurture on the development of aggression.
Samuel and Bryant’s show that nature helps the child develop the ability to conserve.

Question 3

1st weakness of the developmental approach

Answer 3

It is reductionist.
Eg Bandura claims that children imitating bashing a bobo doll is learning aggressive behaviours, but the children could have been an aggressive child already.

Question 4

2nd weakness of developmental approach

Answer 4

Frequently involves the use of children.
Ethical guidelines are breached.
Eg In Bandura’s study the children were subjected to aggression arousal, which would have distressed them and this breaches protection from harm.