developmental differences

Question 1

How is handedness a developmental difference?

Answer 1

Depends on lateralisation, parts of the left hemisphere associated with movement are more developed than the equivalent areas of the right hemisphere.
Lateralisation in left-handers is the reverse of right-handers.

Question 2

How is the development of the brain a developmental difference?

Answer 2

More primitive brain structures are relatively highly developed at birth.
Parts of the brain involved in more advanced mental functions take longer to develop.
The brain is shaped by the environment, including cultural influences

Question 3

How is survival a developmental difference?

Answer 3

Governs behaviour present at birth which enhances survival. Evolution also plays a part in the way we acquire behaviours during development

Question 4

What are the different rates of development?

Answer 4

The amygdala begins to develop relatively early, a child rapidly becomes sensitive to environmental threats.
The prefrontal cortex involved of impulsive behaviour in social contexts doesn’t mature until several years later