Evaluate one or more theories of brain development.

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials.

The command term “evaluate” requires candidates to make an appraisal of one or more theories of brain development by weighing up the strengths and limitations. Although a discussion of both strengths and limitations is required, it does not have to be evenly balanced to gain high marks.

Relevant theories may include, but are not limited to:

• theory of neuroplasticity
• maturational theory of brain development.

Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:

• Chugani’s (1999) study of PET scans and glucose metabolism in newborns
• Giedd’s (2004) longitudinal study of healthy children using MRI scans
• Waber’s (2007) longitudinal study of normal brain development using MRI scans
• Strathearn et al.’s (2001) study of delayed cognitive development and head growth.

Evaluation points may include, but are not limited to:

• the accuracy and clarity of the theory
• productivity of the theory in generating psychological research
• methodological, cultural, and gender considerations
• contrary explanations
• applications of the theory
• ethical concerns regarding research
• relevance of animal models for human brain development.

If the candidate addresses only strengths or only limitations, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for criterion D: critical thinking. All remaining criteria should be awarded marks according to the best fit approach.