Chapter 6 - physical development

what are the two maturation principles

1. cephalocaudal: head → toe development

2. proximodistal: inside → outside development

explain how WHO growth charts work

track:

• weight-for-age

• height-for-age

• weight-for-height

• head circumference

measurements are plotted against percentiles

what percentiles mean:

• 50th percentile → average

• 25th percentile → larger than 25%

• 90th percentile → larger than 90%

*consistent growth matters more than percentile

explain the maturational viewpoint of development

core idea: motor development is genetically programmed in a certain sequence

evidence from cross-cultural findings:

• children from many cultures reach milestones in roughly the same sequence

explain the experiential hypothesis of development

core idea: motor development depends on experience & opportunity to practice movement

evidence from early orphanage:

• children kept lying on flat on backs were less likely to be able to walk well independently

*practice & environment shape timing

explain the dynamical systems theory of development

infants actively reorganize multiple skills to achieve goals

• infants arent passive, they attempt, adjust, combine, and modify skills to achieve their goals