Factors affecting human development:

How???
Genetics:
Genes=contain information that controls human growth and development. Identical twins have the same genotype (set of genes).
Maturation= biological plan that determines development. In the genotype there are instructions about the sequence and timing of development.
Types of maturational development:
Universality= a characteristic performed/shown by all infants over the world/universe.
Critical period= language achievement is an example. Infants learn language quickly so therefore they would find it easy to learn two different languages compared to an older child who would find it more difficult to learn a new language.

How humans are similar:
Built on the same basic pattern-bones, muscles, nerves ect……

How human are different:
Genetic differences Influence:
Growth- shorter and taller people
Characteristics- eye colour
Personality- bad tempered and calmer people

Group differences:
Males and females- different chromosomes. Females have XX and males have XY. They have different hormones, Men have higher levels of testosterone which increases aggressive behaviour, and females have higher levels of estrogen which makes them more emotional.

Higher levels of testosterone can slow down develop the left hemisphere of the brain- not very good at language.


Ancestors who lived in different environment: people may be living in environments not suited to them.
People with fair skin who lived in tropical region had a higher risk of skin cancer,


Environmental:

Social factors:
Parenting styles:
Authoritarian= strict rules, uses punishments for minor faults, little choice, unaffectionate.
Democratic= frequent guidance, explains rules, punishes child for serious wrong doings, shares decision making, emotionally warm.
Permissive= emotionally warm, little guidance/control- child therefore has a lot of autonomy, does not really apply rules/boundaries, ignore unwanted behaviour.

Children from:
Authoritarian parents= used aggression to get what they want.
Democratic parents=were least aggressive
Permissive parents=were aggressive

Children from:
Authoritarian parents= were fearful, moody, easily annoyed, sulky and hostile.
Democratic parents=were self reliant, self control, cheerful, cooperative and motivated to do well.
Permissive parents= rebellious, low in self reliance, self control, aggressive and low in achievement and motivation.

Separation from parents can affect development. E.g. illness or death of a parent so child may go into care.

Children who have been physically or sexually abused by their parents may have a risk of a mental disorder and delinquency/anti social behaviour.

Peers= learn behaviours of them e.g. language development

Children who have little or no contact with peers develop different behaviours, beliefs and attitudes which may be seen as weird.

Play opportunities= play that involves exploring has an important role in cognitive development. So, suitable toys, materials and play spaces should be available.


Biological factors:
Nutrition= environment in the womb affects development. The foetus is likely to develop the max genetic potential if alcohol, toxic substances and disease are absent.
Malnourished children are unlikely to grow as tall as they could have done if they fed well. Their cognitive development may also be slower and lastly can slow down maturational development.

Lack of Exercise can result in less bone and muscle growth. This can lead to poor posture, back problems in later life.
Exercise helps motor skills such as balancing and climbing.