To what extent do biological factors influence human development?

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.

The command term “to what extent” requires candidates to consider the contribution of biological factors that affect human development.

Responses may refer to biological factors including but not limited to:

• the effects of maturation of the nervous system on cognitive development
• Waber’s (2007) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) studies showing that as children mature, the speed of mental processing generally increases
• the role of neuroplasticity in brain development
• the role of stress hormones on faulty development
• the role of sex hormones
• Bowlby’s theory that the capacity for attachment is innate.

In order to respond to the command term, it is appropriate and useful for candidates to discuss:

• the issue of reductionism
• how human development is the result of complex interactions between biological, sociocultural and cognitive factors
• how biology and experience act together to produce the normal course of development.

The focus of the response should be on the biological factors influencing human development. However, it is appropriate and useful for candidates to address other factors (such as cognitive factors and/or sociocultural factors) in order to respond to the command term “to what extent”.

Candidates may address a small number of biological factors in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may address a larger number of biological factors in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

Animal research may be used as long as a clear link is made to human development.