Maturation Theory

Maturation theory

the brain develops based on a predetermined timeline caused by genetics

Critical Periods

specific times when certain behaviours or skills need to be developed. If they are not then these skills may be impaired or underdeveloped

Strengths

Biolgical Evidence, applicable in educaiton and parenting

Limitations

ethical issues (done on children with brain injuries), only can use correlational research

Chugani aim

to carry out an in depth analysis of the brain development of infants on young children

Chugani Method

used PET scans to determien areas of brain activity by measuring glucose metabolism in newborns to teenagers

Chugani Results

• a babies brain develops neuronal connection from the back to front with the last part being the prefrontal cortex

• glucose mtaboilsm was lowest but reached its peak between the ages of three and 10

Geidd Aim

to investiage the increases adn decreased of white and gray matter in children and adolescents

Geidd Method

took MRI brain scnas every two years of indivusla between ages of 6 and 20

Geidd results

• brain size stays roughly the smae but there are dynamic chagnes

• white matter increses in all four lobes thorughout childhood and adolescne

• gray matter develops in an inverted u pattern