The principle of infant growth states that development proceeds from the center of the body outward

Latest Principles of Development MCQ Objective Questions

Principles of Development MCQ Question 1:

Which one of the following statement is correct about the development of the child?

1. Development is only result of hereditary.
2. Development is not a continuous process.
3. Rate of development is similar in male and female child.
4. Development proceed from general to specific.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Development proceed from general to specific.

Development refers to qualitative changes taking place simultaneously with quantitative changes of growth. It may be defined as a progressive series of orderly, coherent changes.

• Role of heredity and environment - development is a result of heredity and environment.
• Development is a continuous process.
• Individual differences in the rate of development 
• The direction of Development - development proceeds from general to specific.
• Development takes place from head to toe and from center to periphery.

Hence we conclude that the statement that development proceeds from general to specific is correct about development.

• The development follows the principles of differentiation and integration- for example, the child first learns to differentiate between more and less.
• Critical Periods There are some periods in the life of a child that are crucial for development and learning. During these periods if the child has favorable experiences, her development will be fostered

Principles of Development MCQ Question 2:

Development proceeds from ________ to ________.

1. General-Specific
2. Complex-Hard
3. Specific-General
4. Simple-Easy

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : General-Specific

The term ‘development’ refers to qualitative changes in an individual such as changes in personality or other mental and emotional aspects. However, very often growth and development are used interchangeably.

• The process of development continues even after the individual has attained physical maturity (growth). The individual is continuously changing as he/she interacts with the environment.

• Principle of Continuity: Development follows the principle of continuity which starts with conception and ends with death. It is a never-ending process in life.
• Principle of Individual Differences: It says that every individual is unique in himself/herself as the heredity and environmental factors make him/her different from others.
• Principle of Generality to Specificity:  The development process starts with general responses shown by the child as s/he passes through the later stages s/ he starts exhibiting specific behaviors.
• Principle of Interrelation: The development of an individual is reflected through the balanced interrelation of all the aspects of life. Development in any aspect affects the other aspect also.
• Principle of Interaction: The principle of interaction suggests that an individual is the product of heredity and environment. In other words, the interaction takes place within and outside forces of the child.
• Principle of Differentiation in Rate: Differentiation in the rate indicates that individuals differ in the rate of development. There is a difference in the rate of development in girls and boys like girls grow faster than boys at the early stage of development.
• Principle of Integration: The principle of Integration refers to the integration of various aspects of development like physical, mental, emotional, social, and moral.
• Principle of Predictability: Development is predictable i.e. with the help of the uniformity of the pattern and sequence of development, we can predict the behavior to a great extent of a child in one or more aspects in a particular stage of her/his growth and development.
• Principle of Sequentiality: It states that every individual although exhibit difference in change, they follow the same sequence of change.

Thus by all these references, we can conclude that Development proceeds from General to Specific.

Principles of Development MCQ Question 3:

Match the following Principles of Development with their correct description :

1. (1) - (d), (2) - (a), (3) - (b), (4) - (c)
2. (1) - (a), (2) - (b), (3) - (c), (4) - (d)
3. (1) - (c), (2) - (d), (3) - (b), (4) - (a)
4. (1) - (d), (2) - (b), (3) - (a), (4) - (c)

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : (1) - (d), (2) - (a), (3) - (b), (4) - (c)

The term ‘development’ refers to qualitative changes in an individual such as changes in personality or other mental and emotional aspects. However, very often growth and development are used interchangeably.

• The process of development continues even after the individual has attained physical maturity (growth). The individual is continuously changing as he/she interacts with the environment.

Thus by all these references, we can conclude that, (1) - (d), (2) - (a), (3) - (b), (4) - (c), is the correct answer.

• Proximodistal sequence:  means that the development proceeds from the central part of the body towards the peripheries. In this sequence, the spinal cord of the individual develops first, and then outward development takes place. 
  • For example, babies cut their front teeth before they cut their side ones.
• Cephalo-caudal sequence: means that development spreads over the body from head to foot i.e. individual begins to grow from the head region downwards. Sufi first gained control of her head, then she could catch hold of objects, sit, crawl and later she could stand and walk.
• Principle of Interrelation: The development of an individual is reflected through the balanced interrelation of all the aspects of life. Development in any aspect affects the other aspect also.
• Principle of Individual Differences: It says that every individual is unique in himself/herself as the heredity and environmental factors make him/her different from others.

Principles of Development MCQ Question 4:

All babies learn to turn over, crawl, stand, and then walk. They may skip a particular stage, but the order or pattern will remain the same. What development principle is this?

1. Development leads to integration
2. Development is continuous 
3. Development follows a pattern
4. Individuals differ with respect to the rate of development

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Development follows a pattern

Development is a process by which an individual grows and changes throughout its life span. This change may be defined as a progressive series of changes that are orderly and coherent and which lead towards the goal of maturity. Although all individuals grow and develop in their own unique way and in their own contexts, some basic principles underlie the process of development and can be observed in all human beings. These are called the principles of development.

Some of the principles are:

The development follows a pattern:

• In human beings, development takes place in an organised, orderly and patterned fashion. Every species has a specific pattern that all its members follow. The sequence of development is also the same. For example, all babies learn to turn over, crawl, stand, and then walk. They may skip a particular stage, but the order or pattern will remain the same.

Development leads to integration:

• Once the child learns specific or differentiated responses, then, as development continues, she can synthesise or integrate these specific responses to form a whole. For example, the young child learns to speak single, discrete words in the beginning. Later, he can join together these sentences in the form of language. Similarly, a young child may have a specific concept of a car. Later, as she grows, her concept expands as she is able to synthesize new aspects into it.

Development is continuous:

• It is the continuous nature of development that accounts for one stage of growth and development influencing the next. For example, if a child has not mastered a particular task at a specific age then this will affect his mastery over the developmental task of the next stage.

Individuals differ with respect to the rate of development:

• Differences in the rate of development can be seen in many areas-the acquisitions of teeth, the age at which the child sits, stands, walks, becomes pubescent, etc. 

Thus from the above-mentioned points, it is clear that the given example reflects the principle of 'development follows a pattern.

Principles of Development MCQ Question 5:

Which among the subsequent isn't the principle of development ?

1. Stages
2. Differentiality
3. Sequentiality
4. Continuity

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Stages

The term ‘development’ refers to qualitative changes in an individual such as changes in personality or other mental and emotional aspects. Development is influenced by many factors. These factors can be grouped under the two main heads of heredity and environment.

• Development is continuous: From the moment of conception till death, the individual is continuously changing. There is no break/discontinuity in development, in some stages development is fast and in some it is slow.
• The development follows a fixed pattern/sequence: Sequential pattern of development can be seen in two directions:
  • Cephalo-caudal sequence: This means that development spreads over the body from head to foot i.e. individual begins to grow from the head region downwards. 
  • Proximodistal sequence: This means that the development proceeds from the central part of the body towards the peripheries. 
• Development Proceeds at Different Rates: Although the process of development is continuous for both the mental and physical spheres, the rate of development varies for different areas. As children grow, each area of development proceeds at its own rate and reaches its maturity in its own time period.
• Development is predictable: Because the rate of development is constant for a child, so it is possible to predict certain development outcomes at an early age. 
• Development is correlated: All types of developments, i.e. physical, mental, social, and emotional, are related to each other. The child develops as a unified whole. Each area of development is dependent on the other and thus influences the other developments. 
• Development proceeds from general to specific: In all the phases of pre-natal (before birth) development and post-natal (after birth) life, the child’s responses are from general to specific. General activity proceeds to a specific activity.
• Development involves change: The human being is never static. From the moment of conception to the time of death, the person is undergoing changes.

Hence, we can conclude that Stages among the subsequent isn't the principle of development.

Which of the following principle of development is incorrect one?

1. There are individual differences in development.
2. Development is the result of coincidences.
3. It is a continuous process.
4. It is predictable.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Development is the result of coincidences.

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs.

• Development is a continuous process from the womb to the tomb and continues gradually until reaching its maximum growth.
• The rate of development is not uniform and everyone has their own particular rate of development.

• It is a wide and complex process, thus there are some principles that need to be followed for a better understanding of the concept.
• Principles of development include:
  • Development is cumulative.
  • Development is predictable.
  • Development is the process of interaction.
  • Development follows uniformity of pattern.
  • Development is predictable and sequential.
  • Development proceeds from general to specific.
  • Development rate varies from person to person.

Hence, it could be concluded that 'Development is the result of coincidences' is not a principle of development.

Out of following which is not correct principle in context to growth and development?

1. Foot to head
2. From near to distant 
3. Head to foot
4. Interaction of heredity & environment 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Foot to head

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. A child develops in an orderly sequence which is almost similar in all children.

• The rate and speed of development may vary in individual cases but the sequence of development patterns is almost the same in all children. Thus human development is based on certain principles.

Predictable Patterns of Development:

• It is one of the most important principles of development that states every individual although exhibit difference in change, they follow the same sequence of change.

Child development takes place in two directions, one is from the head-to-foot direction and the second is from near to distant  (center of the body to the peripheral).

• The Cephalocaudal Tendency: It exhibits that the development proceeds in the longitudinal direction i.e. from head to foot. That is the reason why a child first gains control over the head before s/he starts walking.
• The Proximodistal Tendency: It proceeds from near to the distant and from parts of the body near the center develop first then the extremities. Therefore, the child in the earlier stages of development starts developing the fundamental muscles rather than the smaller muscles or fine motor skills.

Interaction of heredity & environment: Development is a product of the interaction of hereditary and environment.  They play a vital role in determining the development of an individual as:

• all the mental and social traits depend on the environment.

• all the inborn traits, instincts, potentials, and I. Q. depends on the heredity.
• how a person will develop depends on the environment but how far a person can develop depends on heredity.

Hence, it could be concluded that 'Foot to head' is a not correct principle in the context of growth and development.

"Development is a never-ending process'. This statement is related to which principle of development? 

1. Principle of continuity
2. Principle of integration
3. Principle of interaction
4. Principle of inter relationship 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Principle of continuity

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs.

• It is a wide and continuous process, thus there are some principles that need to be followed for a better understanding of the concept.

• The above-mentioned idea is associated with the "Principle of Continuity".
• This principle defines that development is a continuous process from the womb to the tomb and continues gradually until reaching its maximum growth.

• Other principles of development include:
  • Development is cumulative.
  • Development is the process of interaction.
  • Development follows uniformity of pattern.
  • Development is predictable and sequential.
  • Development rate varies from person to person.
  • Development proceeds from general to specific.

Hence, it could be concluded that the above-mentioned process is related to the Principle of continuity.

Which one is not correct?

1. Development is a life-long process
2. Development always takes place uniformly
3. Development is individualistic
4. Development does not stop at maturation

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Development always takes place uniformly

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. It includes all the qualitative changes in an individual over a period of time by the process of learning and maturation.

• It refers to the overall changes in an individual in various dimensions - physical, mental, social, emotional, and so on. It is a wide and continuous process, thus there are some principles that need to be followed for a better understanding of the concept.

Principles of development include:

• Principle of continuity:
  • This principle defines that development is a life-long process as it does not stop at maturation and continues gradually until reaching its maximum growth. 
• Principle of individual differences: 
  • ​Each individual grows at his own unique pace because of the wide individual differences that exist among the children with respect to their growth and development.
• The rate of growth and development is not uniform: 
  • ​It proceeds more rapidly in the early years of life but slows down in the later years of childhood and again there is a sudden rise in the speed of growth and development during puberty but it is not maintained for a long time.

Hence, we conclude that 'Development always takes place uniformly' is not the correct statement.

Other principles of development include:

• Development proceeds from general to specific responses: 
  • The child's responses are of the general sort before they become specific. The general activity precedes the specific activity i.e., the child moves his hands first randomly and then starts using his fingers specifically and takes complete control of his hand movements.
• Principle of interrelation: 
  • ​The growth and development in various dimensions like social, mental, physical, emotional, etc. are related to each other and interdependent. The growth and development in any one dimension affect the growth and development of the child in other dimensions as well.
• Uniformity of pattern: 
  • The development does not proceed at a uniform rate but it does follow a definite sequence or pattern and is somewhat uniform i.e., the child learns saying "papa" to greet every man he meets, but it's only afterwards he uses it for his father only. Hence, it follows a pattern.
• Development is predictable: 
  • ​By studying the present rate of growth and development of a child we can predict the range within which his mature development is going to fall.
• Development is spiral, not linear: 
  • ​The child does not develop at a constant pace but he makes advancement on stage and then takes a rest in the following period to consolidate his development. So, he turns back and then moves forward again like a spiral. 
• Joint product of both heredity and environment: 
  • 'Heredity and Environment' play a vital role in determining the growth and development of an individual. How a person will develop depends on the environment but how far a person can develop depends on heredity.

Which of the following statement is correct about the process of development of an individual?

1. It is uni-dimensional in nature.
2. It is influenced only by heredity of an individual.
3. There is cultural diversity in the process of development.
4. Development is only based on environmental factors.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : There is cultural diversity in the process of development.

Development refers to qualitative changes in an individual such as a change in personality or other mental and emotional aspects.

• The term individual development is the process of maturation of a child up to a stage where he\she can independently make their own decisions about their life.
• Individual development caters to the overall development of the child in terms of its physical, mental, emotional, and psychological growth.

• ​As we live in a society, we come across persons who are followers of different cultures which allows us the opportunity to understand and expose our minds to the different customs and cultures of the society.
• When individual experiences and interacts with different persons he is influenced by them and this influence plays an important role in the psychological development of a person.
• It not only affects psychological development, but it also affects the other factors of development as the kind of society we grow up in, makes an impact on our lifestyle.
• Such as if a person grows up in a family of sportspersons he is also going to be affected and influenced to participate in sports which will impact his physical and mental development.

Thus, it is concluded that there is cultural diversity in the process of development is correct for the process of development of an individual.

•  As development occurs in various dimensions such as social, mental, physical, and emotional, it is a multidimensional characteristic instead of unidimensional.
• Heredity and environment are not the only significant parameters that define the development of an individual. Other factors such as individual mindset, economical condition, and social interaction also play an important role in individual development.

Which of the following is true?

1. The child gains control of his/her feet first before head.
2. General ability precedes specific ability in all phases of a child's development.
3. There is a sudden spurt of development in the last stages of life
4. The child controls fingers and then the arms.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : General ability precedes specific ability in all phases of a child's development.

Development, which is continuous change is a phenomenon which is observed both in terms of quality and quantity. Principles of Human Development defines in what way a person will develop. There are many principles of development as described below:

• Development follows a pattern: Prenatal (before birth) and postnatal (after birth) development of human beings follow a pattern or a general sequence. Physical development, motor or language development and intellectual development take place in definite sequences.
• Principle of development direction: The direction of development is ‘cephalocaudal’ (from head to limbs i.e, in longitudinal axis) as well as ‘proximodistal’ (from the centre to the periphery) direction. The child gains control over its head first, then arms and legs. Likewise, the child learns to control large muscles first and does finer movements with smaller muscles. This means, the child develops the ability to control arms first and only then can control fingers and so on.
• Continuous Development: The process of development is continuous starting from the conception through birth to lifelong, i.e., from womb to tomb.
• Rate of growth and development is not uniform: Though development is continuous, the rate of growth and development is not uniform. Rapid changes occur in the early years and slow down in later years of life. During adolescence again there is a sudden rise in growth and development, which slows down in later age of life.
• Principle of individual difference: With respect to development, the rate and quality of development in various dimensions differ from person to person. There is a difference in the growth rate between boys and girls. Girls mature earlier in comparison to boys. For eg, girls appear taller and well developed than boys of the same age.
• Development proceeds from general to specific responses: Responses are the first general before they become specific almost in all dimensions of development. In case of language development, the child before saying different words, letters, babble different sounds similarly it sees large objects before seeing small objects. It means general ability precedes the specific activity in all the phases of the child’s development.
• Principle of integration: By proceeding from general responses to specific response again, these specific responses are integrated from the whole it means there is a movement from whole to parts and again from parts to whole.
• Principle of interrelationship: Development in various aspects of the child is interdependent due to interrelationships. Development of one dimension in social aspect influences emotional development; and, in effect, all the dimensions of development relate with or influence each other.
• Predictability: The rate of growth and development of each child gives scope to predict the future development either physically or intellectually.

Hence, we conclude that general ability precedes specific ability in all phases of a child's development. is correct.

The principle of 'spiral versus linear advancement' is associated with

1. personality and attitude
2. reading and writing
3. growth and development
4. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : growth and development

The terms growth and development are often used interchangeably and regarded as synonymous. Growth is a sheer increase in size, height, weight, power, etc. It refers to the dimensional augmentation, cellular multiplication, or quantitative changes in size, weight, and number. The process of gradual increase of an individual or animal or a seed, germ, or root to its full size or maturity is called growth.

Following are the principles of development:- 

• Principle of Continuity
• Principle of Individual differences
• Principle of lack of uniformity in the development rate
• Principle of uniformity of pattern
• Principle of proceeding from general to specific
• Principle of integration
• Principle of interaction
• Principle of spiral versus linear advancement
• Principle of predictability

Principle of spiral versus linear advancement:- The path followed in development by the child is not straight and linear and development at any stage never takes place at a constant or steady pace.  At a particular stage of his development, after the child had developed to a certain level, there is likely to be a period of rest for consolidation of the developmental progress achieved till then. In advancing further, development turns back and then moves forward again in a spiral pattern.

• Developmental psychologists have also observed that each developmental phase has certain traits characteristic if it, that it has certain undesirable forms of behavior which are usually found at that age and which are outgrown as the individual passes into the next stage, and that every individual normally passes through each stage of development.
• Jersild, while writing about the principles of development, remarks that one feature of the growing ability is its spontaneous use and wholeheartedness.
• As a child’s capacities for doing, thinking, and feeling mature he has an impulse to put them to use, and he often does it wholeheartedly. This is described by Jersild as ‘Indigenous motivation’. Another feature of human development is its struggle. The process of growth involves conflicting impulses and demands. The child struggles against these in his striving toward maturity.
• The process of development is also characterized by anticipation, in that it is also geared to the needs of the future, by the capacity for self-repair by the developmental revision of habits, by the persistence of archaic behavior trends, and by its quality of becoming’ its dynamic rather static nature, made so by the changes that occur in the individual at every step.
• Development is affected by many factors. Some of these factors play a more important role than others. These factors are intelligence, sex, glands of internal secretion, nutrition, fresh air and sunlight, injuries, accidents and diseases, position in the family, psychological conditions in the family matrix, social roles, and cultural demands. These factors affect different phases of development at different stages in varying degrees.

Hence, we can conclude that the principle of 'spiral versus linear advancement' is associated with growth and development.

This is not a principle of development.

1. Development is continuous
2. Development is consistent
3. Development is lifelong
4. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Development is consistent

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. It includes all the qualitative changes in an individual over a period of time by the process of learning and maturation.

• It refers to the overall changes in an individual in various dimensions - physical, mental, social, emotional, and so on. It is a wide and continuous process, thus there are some principles that need to be followed for a better understanding of the concept.

Principles of development include:

• Principle of continuity:
  • This principle defines that development is a life-long process as it does not stop at maturation and continues gradually until reaching its maximum growth. 
• Principle of individual differences: 
  • ​Each individual grows at his own unique pace because of the wide individual differences that exist among the children with respect to their growth and development.
• Development proceeds from general to specific responses: 
  • The child's responses are of the general sort before they become specific. The general activity precedes the specific activity i.e., the child moves his hands first randomly and then starts using his fingers specifically and takes complete control of his hand movements.
• Uniformity of pattern: 
  • The development does not proceed at a uniform rate but it does follow a definite sequence or pattern and is somewhat uniform i.e., the child learns saying "papa" to greet every man he meets, but it's only afterward he uses it for his father only. Hence, it follows a pattern.
• A joint product of both heredity and environment: 
  • 'Heredity and Environment' play a vital role in determining the growth and development of an individual. How a person will develop depends on the environment but how far a person can develop depends on heredity.

• The process of development is not consistent as rate of growth and development is not uniform: 
  • ​It proceeds more rapidly in the early years of life but slows down in the later years of childhood and again there is a sudden rise in the speed of growth and development during puberty but it is not maintained for a long time.

Hence, we conclude that development is consistent is not a principle of development.

Sana learnt to hold a glass and a bottle before she could hold a pen or button her shirt. This example indicates that-

1. Development is unidimensional.
2. Direction of development is cephalo-caudal.
3. Direction of development is proximo - distal.
4. Direction follows a random pattern.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Direction of development is proximo - distal.

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. A child develops in an orderly sequence which is almost similar in all children.

• The rate and speed of development may vary in individual cases but the sequence of development patterns is almost the same in all children. Thus human development is based on certain principles.

Child development takes place in two directions, one is from the head-to-foot direction and the second is from near to distant  (center of the body to the peripheral).

Sequential pattern of development can be seen in two directions:

• Cephalo-caudal sequence: It means that development spreads over the body from head to foot, i.e. individual begins to grow from head region downwards.
  • For example, The child first gain control on her head, then she could catch hold of objects, sit, crawl, and later she could stand and walk.
• Proximodistal sequence: It means that the development proceeds from the central part of the body towards the peripheries. In this sequence, the spinal cord of the individual develops first, and then outward development takes place.
  • For example, the child could use her arms before her hands and use her hands before she could control the movement of her fingers.
  • Children learnt to hold a glass and a bottle before they could hold a pen or button their shirt.

Thus, it is concluded that the above-mentioned example indicates that the direction of development is proximo-distal.

The law of developmental direction includes

1. cephalocaudal law
2. proximodistal law
3. Both (1) and (2)
4. Neither (1) nor (2)

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Both (1) and (2)

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. It is a complex and continuous process, thus there are some principles that need to be followed for better understanding of the concept.

The law of developmental direction:

• Child development takes place in two directions, one is from the head-to-foot direction and the second is from near to distant  (center of the body to the peripheral).

1. The Cephal-ocaudal Tendency: It exhibits that the development proceeds in the longitudinal direction i.e. from head to foot. That is the reason why a child first gains control over the head before s/he starts walking.
2. The Proximo-distal Tendency: It proceeds from near to the distant and from parts of the body near the center develop first then the extremities. Therefore, the child in the earlier stages of development starts developing the fundamental muscles rather than the smaller muscles or fine motor skills.

Hence, it could be concluded that the law of developmental direction includes both cephalocaudal and proximodistal law.

Which of the following statement is incorrect about the principles of child development? 

1. Development follows a definite and predictable pattern.
2. All individuals are similar in their development.
3. Development is product of hereditary and environment.
4. Development works on the principle of integration.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : All individuals are similar in their development.

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. It is a complex and continuous process, thus there are some principles that need to be followed for a better understanding of the concept.

Principle of integration: 

• By proceeding from general responses to specific responses again, these specific responses are integrated from the whole it means there is a movement from whole to parts and again from parts to whole.

Principle of individual difference: 

• With respect to development, the rate and quality of development in various dimensions differ from person to person. There is a difference in the growth rate between boys and girls. Girls mature earlier in comparison to boys. 

Development follows a pattern:

•  Prenatal (before birth) and postnatal (after birth) development of human beings follow a pattern or a predictable sequence. Physical development, motor or language development and intellectual development take place in definite sequences.

Product of hereditary and environment:

• Hereditary and environment play a vital role in determining the development of an individual as:
  • all the mental and social traits depend on the environment.
  • all the inborn traits, instincts, potentials, and I. Q. depends on heredity.
• Development = Heredity * Environment 

Hence, it could be concluded that the statement 'All individuals are similar in their development' is incorrect about the principles of child development.

Cephalocaudal principle is applicable in the sphere of- 

1. motor development
2. language development
3. cognitive development
4. moral development 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : motor development

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. A child develops in an orderly sequence which is almost similar in all children.

• There are some domains of development such as physical(motor), cognitive, social-emotional, moral, and language domains. These domains are developed in an integrated and holistic process.
• Motor development refers to the physical changes that occur in humans throughout life. Understanding physical and motor development is extremely important as it provides the basis for the development of a child’s personality. 
• It helps to gain mastery over the child’s own body and movements. Physical development is the most recognized and observable change in the life of a child.

Child development takes place in two directions, one is from the head-to-foot direction (Cephalocaudal) and the second is from near to distant (Proximodistal). Both principles are applicable in the sphere of motor development as:

• The Cephalocaudal Principle: It exhibits that the development proceeds in the longitudinal direction i.e. from top to bottom or head to foot. That is the reason why a child first gains control over the head before s/he starts walking.
• The Proximodistal Tendency: It proceeds from centre to outward or near to the distant and from parts of the body near the centre develop first then the extremities. Therefore, the child in the earlier stages of development starts developing the fundamental muscles rather than the smaller muscles or fine motor skills.

Hence, it could be concluded that the Cephalocaudal principle is applicable in the sphere of motor development.

• Social development: It refers to the development of social skills and values across the lifespan.
• Emotional development: It refers to the development of the ability to control and manage one's own emotions and as well as of others.
• Cognitive development: It refers to the development of the ability to reason, think,  perceive and solve a problem.
• Language development: It refers to the development of the ability to understand, perceive and use language.
• Moral development: It refers to the development of the ability to learn the difference between right and wrong.

When a peepal plant grows in to a tree, then it becomes a bigger peepal. This opinion represents ______ of development.

1. Discontinuity
2. Continuity
3. Both discontinuity and continuity
4. Sometimes discontinuity some times continuity

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Continuity

Development is the study of the way people change, from the first moments of conception right through the life span to old age and death. Development begins before birth, begins from the moment conception occurs.

• The development follows the principle of continuity which starts with conception and ends with death. It is a never-ending process of life.
• The child, through the developmental process, passes continuously with changes although the pace and quantity of change vary from stage to stage. 
• For example, A plant becomes a tree, an infant becomes an adult, etc.

​Thus, it is concluded that when a peepal plant grows into a tree, then it becomes a bigger peepal. This opinion represents the continuity of development.

• Discontinuity theory suggests that the change is abrupt during the course of life. It also believes that each stage of development is unique and is characterized by distinct features. For example, if a child is at the infancy stage she/he will exhibit the behaviors peculiar to that stage, which will not be the characteristic of the same child at the adolescence stage.

Which principle is not associated with growth and development?

1. Principle of continuity
2. Principle of contiguity
3. Principle of integration
4. Principle of interrelation

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Principle of contiguity

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. It includes all the qualitative changes in an individual over a period of time by the process of learning and maturation.

• It refers to the overall changes in an individual in various dimensions - physical, mental, social, emotional, and so on. It is a wide and continuous process, thus there are some principles that need to be followed for a better understanding of the concept.

Principles of development include:

• Principle of continuity:
  • This principle defines that development is a life-long process as it does not stop at maturation and continues gradually until reaching its maximum growth. 
• Principle of integration:
  • Some specific responses are combined in the later process of development to form a whole. It is the integration of parts to the whole and its parts as well as the specific and general responses that make a child develop satisfactorily in the various dimensions of his growth and development.
• Principle of individual differences: 
  • ​Each individual grows at his own unique pace because of the wide individual differences that exist among the children with respect to their growth and development.  
• The rate of growth and development is not uniform: 
  • ​It proceeds more rapidly in the early years of life but slows down in the later years of childhood and again there is a sudden rise in the speed of growth and development during puberty but it is not maintained for a long time.
• Development proceeds from general to specific responses: 
  • The child's responses are of the general sort before they become specific. The general activity precedes the specific activity i.e., the child moves his hands first randomly and then starts using his fingers specifically and takes complete control of his hand movements.
• Principle of interrelation: 
  • ​The growth and development in various dimensions like social, mental, physical, emotional, etc. are related to each other and interdependent. The growth and development in any one dimension affect the growth and development of the child in other dimensions as well. 

• Principle of contiguity:
  • It is given by Guthrie and is also known as the contiguity theory. It is a useful law of learning, memory, and knowledge. It states that the associations between the responses and stimuli have to made closer for the occurrence of learning.

Hence, it could be concluded that the principle of contiguity is not related to growth and development.

A child can throw the ball before holding a pencil and write. Which principle of development this situation illustrates?

1. Cephalo caudal principle
2. Proximo-Distal principle
3. Uniformity of Pattern
4. Principle of integration

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Proximo-Distal principle

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. A child develops in an orderly sequence which is almost similar in all children.

• The rate and speed of development may vary in individual cases but the sequence of development patterns is almost the same in all children. Thus human development is based on certain principles.

Child development takes place in two directions, one is from the head-to-foot direction and the second is from near to distant  (center of the body to the peripheral).

Sequential pattern of development can be seen in two directions:

• Cephalo-caudal sequence: It means that development spreads over the body from head to foot, i.e. individual begins to grow from head region downwards.
  • For example, The child first gain control on her head, then she could catch hold of objects, sit, crawl, and later she could stand and walk.
• Proximodistal sequence: It means that the development proceeds from the central part of the body towards the peripheries. In this sequence, the spinal cord of the individual develops first, and then outward development takes place.
  • For example, the child could use her arms before her hands and use her hands before she could control the movement of her fingers.
  • Children learn to throw the ball before holding a pencil and writing.

Thus, it is concluded that the above-mentioned situation illustrates the proximo-distal principle.

Systematic presentation of concepts may be related to which of the following principles of development?

1. Students develop at different rates
2. Development is relatively orderly
3. Development leads to growth
4. Development proceeds from heteronomy to autonomy

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Development proceeds from heteronomy to autonomy

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. It includes all the qualitative changes in an individual over a period of time by the process of learning and maturation.

• It refers to the overall changes in an individual in various dimensions - physical, mental, social, emotional, and so on. It is a wide and continuous process, thus there are some principles that need to be followed for a better understanding of the concept.

Principles of development:

• The development follows a pattern.
• Development proceeds from general to specific (global to analytical).
• Development leads to integration.
• Development is continuous.
• Individuals differ with respect to the rate of development.
• Development occurs at different rates for different parts of the body.
• Development proceeds from ego-centrism to allocentric.
• Development proceeds from heteronomy to autonomy.
  • Heteronomy means dependence on others, while autonomy means self-reliance. Young children are dependent on others for their care and welfare, but adolescents are capable of taking care of themselves. This shows the movement from heteronomy to autonomy. Systematic presentation of concepts is related to this principle.
• Development is Predictable.

Thus from the above-mentioned points, it is clear that the systematic presentation of concepts may be related to the principle of development proceeds from heteronomy to autonomy.

Which of the following is NOT a principle of the development?

1. Development occurs along a single course and is not uni-dimensional. 
2. Development proceeds from the top-down and from centre outwards.
3. Development is influenced by both 'nature' and 'nurture'.
4. Development occurs in socio-cultural contexts.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Development occurs along a single course and is not uni-dimensional. 

The term ‘development’ refers to qualitative changes in an individual such as a change in personality.

• Development takes place in all aspects such as physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional, and others. 

• Development proceeds from the top-down and from the center outwards:
  • ​Development proceeds from the head downward. This is called the cephalocaudal principle. This principle describes the direction of growth and development. According to this principle, the child gains control of the head first, then the arms, and then the legs.
  • Development proceeds from the center of the body outward. This is the principle of proximodistal development that also describes the direction of development. This means that the spinal cord develops before the outer parts of the body.
• Development is influenced by both 'nature' and 'nurture': 
  • ​Nature refers to the hereditary influences on human characteristics which include physical characteristics, intellectual capacities, personality traits, and patterns of social interactions.
  • Nurture as a concept, encompasses all of the environmental factors, including a physical and cultural environment that influences the developmental outcomes in an individual.
• Socio-cultural forces include interpersonal, societal, cultural, and ethical factors that affect the development of a child. This is important to know how people and the environment interact with each other. The family, peers, coworkers and social institutions, and culture influence development. Poverty is an example of a socio-cultural force.

• Development occurs along a single course and is not uni-dimensional: Development occurs along various courses as development is multidimensional and cannot take place in one dimension. It is a result of development in all dimensions (physical, personality, cognitive, and social)

Hence, it is concluded that development occurs along a single course and is not uni-dimensional is NOT a principle of development.

A child first learns moving his hand, then fingers and then hand and fingers together. Which principle of growth and development is represented by this example?

1. Principle of continuity
2. Principle of intergration
3. Principle of general to specific
4. Principle of individual differences

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Principle of general to specific

Development refers to an increase in structure for better and enhanced functioning of organs. It is a wide and continuous process, thus there are some principles that need to be followed for a better understanding of the concept.

• Here the principle 'development proceeds from general to specific' is correct in the context because in the beginning infants/fetus move their whole body rather than moving their specific body parts.
• The development process starts with general responses shown by the child as s/he passes through the later stages s/ he starts exhibiting specific behaviors. 
• For example, a child may utter a sound that is common for every object and person s/he sees in the environment, like ‘inna’, but later on s/he starts pronouncing specific words denoting specific objects or persons, like maa, pa, and so on.

• Principle of Integration: The principle of Integration refers to the integration of various aspects of development like physical, mental, emotional, social, and moral.
• Principle of Continuity: Development follows the principle of continuity which starts with conception and ends with death. It is a never-ending process in life.
• Principle of Individual Differences: It says that every individual is unique in himself/herself as the heredity and environmental factors make him/her different from others.

Hence, it could be concluded that the 'Principle of general to specific' is represented by this example.

Knowledge of the principles of growth and development is important for a teacher because:

1. this knowledge would help the teacher to segregate the children.
2. the teacher would be able to create a good impression.
3. this knowledge would help the teacher to provide the children with appropriate learning opportunities.
4. this would make Child Development a popular course.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : this knowledge would help the teacher to provide the children with appropriate learning opportunities.

The terms growth and development are often used interchangeably. Actually, they are conceptually different. Neither growth nor development takes place all by itself.

• Growth refers to quantitative changes in size which include physical changes in height, weight, size, internal organs, etc. 
• Development, by contrast, refers to qualitative changes taking place simultaneously with quantitative changes of growth. It may be defined as a progressive series of orderly, coherent changes. 

Implications of Principles of Growth and Development in the teaching-learning process:

Knowledge of development patterns, what these are like, and what causes variations in the development of children, is essential for both scientific and practical reasons.

• Knowledge of development patterns would help the teacher to provide the children with appropriate learning opportunities.
• Knowledge of the pattern of human development will help you know, for example, what to expect of children.
• It will also help you know approximately at what age behavioral changes take place, and when these patterns are generally replaced by more mature patterns. This is significant since, if too much is expected from children, they develop a feeling of inadequacy. 
• Knowledge of development patterns helps teachers and parents guide the child's learning properly. 
• Knowledge of development patterns helps teachers and parents prepare the child psychologically for the physical and behavioral changes that would occur as they grow up. In fact, in this matter, the role of the school is crucial. 

Hence, we can conclude that knowing about principles of growth and development is important for a teacher because this knowledge would help the teacher to provide the children with appropriate learning opportunities. 

Which of the following is/are principle(s) of growth and development?

I. Development never follows a pattern

II. Principle of individual difference

III. Principle of integration

IV. Development proceeds from general to specific responses

1. II, III and IV
2. I, II, III and IV
3. I, II and III
4. I, III and IV

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : II, III and IV

Growth and Development: 

• ‘Growth’, which refers to an increase in weight, height (length), and changes in body proportions. Growth takes place in the physical aspect only. It refers to quantitative changes e.g. it is possible to measure how tall a child has grown over a specific period of time.
• The term ‘development’ refers to qualitative changes in an individual such as a change in personality or other mental and emotional aspects. However, very often growth and development are used interchangeably.

Growth and Development Follows:-

• Principle of Continuity: Development follows the principle of continuity which starts with conception and ends with death. It is a never-ending process in life.
• Principle of Individual Differences: It says that every individual is unique in himself/herself as the heredity and environmental factors make him/her different from others.
• Principle of Generality to Specificity:  The development process starts with general responses shown by the child as s/he passes through the later stages s/ he starts exhibiting specific behaviours. 
• Principle of Interrelation: The development of an individual is reflected through the balanced interrelation of all the aspects of life. Development in any aspect affects the other aspect also.
• Principle of Interaction: The principle of interaction suggests that an individual is the product of heredity and environment. In other words, the interaction takes place within and outside forces of the child.
• Principle of Differentiation in Rate: Differentiation in the rate indicates that individuals differ in the rate of development. There is a difference in the rate of development in girls and boys like girls grow faster than boys at the early stage of development.
• Principle of Integration: The principle of Integration refers to the integration of various aspects of development like physical, mental, emotional, social and moral.
• Principle of Predictability: Development is predictable i.e. with the help of the uniformity of the pattern and sequence of development, we can predict the behaviour to a great extent of a child in one or more aspects in a particular stage of her/his growth and development.
• Principle of Sequentiality: It states that every individual although exhibit difference in change, follow the same sequence of change.
• The Cephalocaudal tendency exhibits that the development proceeds in the longitudinal direction i.e. from head to foot. That is the reason why the child first gains control overhead before s/he starts walking.
• Proximodistal tendency proceeds from near to the distant and from parts of the body near the centre develop first then the extremities. Therefore the child in the earlier stage of development exercises on the fundamental muscles rather than the smaller muscles or fine motor skills.

Hence, from the above-mentioned points, it becomes clear that the given points II, III and IV are related to Growth and Development.

What principle states that development proceeds from the center of the body outward?

What is the principle of Proximodistal?

What is the cephalocaudal principle?

What are the four principles of growth in infancy?