ISSUES ON HUMAN

DEVELOPMENT

ALLAN R. LEAL

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

• At the end of the module you should be able to

take a researched-based on the three (3) issues
on development

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THREE ISSUES ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

❑Nature versus Nurture

❑Continuity versus Discontinuity

❑Stability versus Change

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NATURE vs NURTURE

The degree to which human

behavior is determined by
genetics/biology (nature) or
learned through interacting
with the environment
(nurture)
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NATURE vs NURTURE

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NATURE

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NATURE
➢All possible behaviors are said to be
present from conception.
➢Genes provide the blueprint for all
behaviors; some present from birth, others
pre-programmed to emerge with age.
➢Is a developmental approach: E.g. Piaget:
children’s thought processes change at
predetermined age-related stages
➢changes in age are related to changes in
behavior.
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NATURE

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NURTURE

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NURTURE

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NURTURE
➢An individuals behavior is determined by
the environment-
-the things people teach them,
-the things they observe, and
-because of the different situations
they are in.
➢Also a determinist view- proposes all
human behavior is the result of
interactions with the environment.
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NURTURE
➢Behaviorist theories are nurture theories: - Behavior is
shaped by interactions with the environment.

➢Born an empty vessel- waiting to be filled up by

experiences gained from environmental interaction.

➢No limit to what they can achieve: -Depends on quality of

external influences and NOT genes.

➢The quality of the environment is KEY -You can become

anything provided the environment is right

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NURTURE

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CONTINUITY and DISCONUINITY

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CONTINUITY and DISCONUINITY

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CONTINUITY and DISCONUINITY

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CONTINUITY and DISCONUINITY

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What is the theory of development?
Developmental stage theories are
theories that divide child
development into distinct stages
which are characterized by
qualitative differences in behavior.

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CONTINUITY and DISCONUINITY

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CONTINUITY and DISCONUINITY

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 STABILITY vs CHANGE
➢The stability-change debate describes the developmental
psychology discussion about whether personality traits that are
present in an individual at birth remain constant or change
throughout the life span. For example, does a naturally
extroverted and talkative baby remain that way for their entire life?
➢The stability vs. change debate is one of the fundamental
questions in developmental psychology along with nature vs.
nurture. Typically cross-sectional and longitudinal studies are used
in research concerning stability vs. change.

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STABILITY vs CHANGE

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STABILITY vs CHANGE

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CHANGE
Change Theorists- argue that personalities are
modified by interactions with family, experiences
at school, and acculturation.

Studies of children have often revealed

impressive stability over time in aspects of
development such as the attachment to their
parents or in personality. However, there is
evidence which suggests a contrary view, that
change is both possible and indeed, is likely
under appropriate conditions.
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CHANGE

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CHANGE

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CHANGE

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RESEARCH CONNECTIONS
Read a research related to issues on human development. Fill out the
matrix below. Strongly suggested topic is fetal origins.

Problem Research Methodology

Source:
(bibliographical
entry format

Findings Conclusions

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BIBLIOGRAPHICAL ENTRY FORMAT

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