NCERT Class 11 Psychology Chapter 3 Human Development

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NCERT Class 11 Psychology Chapter 3 Human Development

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Human Development

Chapter: 3

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What is development? How is it different from growth and maturation?

Ans: Development is a process that creates growth, brings in progress and positive change. Development is a healthy sign. Two aspects of development are. Economic growth or increase in people’s income. In the context of childhood development, growth is defined as an irreversible constant increase in size, and development is defined as growth in psychomotor capacity. The development of human beings’ cognitive, emotional, intellectual, and social capabilities and functioning over the course of a normal life span, from infancy through old age. Both processes are highly dependent on genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors.

Development is a broader concept than both growth and maturation.

Growth: Growth is the physical process of development, particularly the process of becoming physically larger. It is quantifiable, meaning that it can be measured, and it is mostly influenced by genetics. Growth refers to the physical increase in size, weight, and structure, such as the height of a child or the development of organs. It is measurable and focuses on quantitative changes.

Maturation: Maturation is a stage of completion of growth and strengthening of acquired mental, social and emotional development. Maturation involves the natural progression of biological and physiological changes that prepare an organism for specific behaviors or abilities, like walking or talking. It is more about readiness for certain functions and is a qualitative process.

2. Describe the main features of life-span perspective on development. 

Ans: The main features of life-span perspective on development are as follows:

(i) Development occurs across one’s entire life, or is lifelong. Development is multidimensional, meaning it involves the dynamic interaction of factors like physical, emotional, and psychosocial development.

(ii) Individuals have the capacity for change and adaptation throughout life, allowing for growth or recovery from challenges.

(iii) The biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional processes of human development are interwoven in the development of a person throughout the life-span.

(iv) Development is influenced by a combination of biological, social, cultural, and historical factors. People develop in different environments, and their development is shaped by their contexts.

(v) Development is highly plastic since modifiability is found in psychological development within persons, though flexibility varies among individuals.

(vi) Development is a lifelong process that takes place across all age groups starting from conception to old age. It also includes the interaction between gains and losses, which is dynamic.

3. What are developmental tasks? Explain by giving examples. 

Ans: Developmental tasks refer to a physical or cognitive skill that a person must accomplish during a particular age period to continue development. “A developmental task is a task which arises at or about a certain period of life of the individual, successful achievement of which leads to his happiness and to success with later tasks, while failure leads to unhappiness in the individual, disapproval by the society, and difficulty with later tasks.” It is also an extension of the practical and hypothetical aspects of a design, concept, discovery, or invention. 

For example, learning to walk in infancy, developing independence in adolescence, and establishing a career in adulthood.

4. ‘Environment of the child has a major role in the development of the child’. Support your answer with examples. 

Ans: In early childhood, children develop the ability to think symbolically, which leads to the emergence of language and imaginative play. As they move into middle childhood, they acquire concrete operational thinking, allowing them to perform logical operations, understand conservation, and categorize objects. Environment of the child has a major role to play in the development of the child because it includes the surroundings in which the child develops various cognitive and motor skills. It also influences the physical development of the child according to the limits set by genetic characteristics. 

The socio-economic and cultural environment has a major role in the development of the child’s process. These cognitive changes also include improvements in memory, attention, and processing speed, which contribute to better academic and social functioning as the child matures. Example: a child who is sent to school is able to develop characteristics of confidence and self-reliance more easily than a child who does not receive education. 

5. How do socio-cultural factors influence development? 

Ans: According to the sociocultural perspective, our psychological growth is guided, in part, by people in our lives who are in mentor-type roles, such as teachers and parents. Other times, we develop our values and beliefs through our interactions within social groups or by participating in cultural events. A supportive family fosters emotional security and social skills, while socioeconomic status can determine access to resources like education and healthcare, influencing cognitive growth. Cultural values shape beliefs, behaviors, and learning styles, with children from collectivist cultures often prioritizing community and cooperation, while those from individualistic cultures may emphasize independence. Children can receive these cultural influences in different ways, such as through their parents, their environment, and the media.

6. Discuss the cognitive changes taking place in a developing child.

Ans: Infancy (0-2 years): Infants develop basic cognitive skills, including object permanence (the understanding that objects continue to exist even when unseen). They begin to understand cause-and-effect relationships through sensory exploration.

(i) Early Childhood (2-6 years): Children start using symbols, language, and engage in imaginative play. They develop the ability to classify objects and understand simple concepts, though their thinking is still egocentric and concrete.

(ii) Middle Childhood (6-12 years): Children develop concrete operational thinking, allowing them to perform logical operations, understand conservation (the idea that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance), and categorize objects more effectively.

(iii) Adolescence (12-18 years): Abstract thinking emerges, allowing adolescents to reason hypothetically and think about future possibilities. They can consider multiple perspectives and engage in more complex problem-solving, often questioning established norms and ideas.

Socio-cultural factors, such as family environment, socioeconomic status, cultural practices, and education, play a crucial role in a child’s development. Children ages 6 to 12, usually think in concrete ways (concrete operations). This can include things like how to combine, separate, order, and transform objects and actions. Adolescence marks the beginning development of more complex thinking processes (also called formal logical operations).

7. Attachment bonds formed in childhood years have long-term effects. Explain taking examples from daily life.

Ans: Attachment bonds formed in childhood years have long-term effects because it is notably developed between the parents and children. These bonds determine the level of trust and the perception of the world during the formative years of a child.  For example, children who form secure attachments with their caregivers tend to grow up with a greater sense of trust, emotional stability, and self-worth. This secure base fosters confidence in exploring the world and building relationships. 

In daily life, a child who feels emotionally supported and safe in their early years is more likely to develop healthy relationships in adulthood. For instance, they might be better at expressing their emotions and resolving conflicts in romantic relationships or friendships. The child is also able to share important decisions with them like the choice of career and marriage. On the other hand, a child whose parents are not responsive to his/her emotional needs would not be able to communicate with them freely. This pattern may continue throughout his/her life. Furthermore, problems of juvenile delinquency are often related to the lack of attachment of an individual towards his/her parents. For example, an adult who experienced neglect as a child might find it difficult to trust others or may become overly dependent on their partner, often fearing rejection or abandonment.

Thus, a family which provides love and support to gives rise to a pleasing personality in the child, whereas a family that does not inculcate these ideals leads to an aggressive and disturbed personality of the child.

8. What is adolescence? Explain the concept of egocentrism. 

Ans: Adolescence is the developmental stage between childhood and adulthood, typically occurring between the ages of 10 and 19. It is characterized by significant physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes. During this period, individuals experience puberty, which leads to physical growth and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. It is a unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundations of good health. Adolescents experience rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth. 

Egocentrism refers to the tendency to view the world primarily from one’s own perspective and to assume that others share the same thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

In adolescence, egocentrism is often seen in two main ways:

(i) Imaginary audience: The imaginary audience is a psychological concept common to the adolescent stage of human development. It refers to the belief that a person is under constant, close observation by peers, family, and strangers.

(ii) Personal fable: The Personal Fable is a belief held by many adolescents telling them that they are special and unique, so much so that none of life’s difficulties or problems will affect them regardless of their behavior.

9. What are the factors influencing the formation of identity during adolescence? Support your answer with examples. 

Ans: The factors influencing the formation of identity during adolescence are:

(i) Cultural background: Cultural background refers to the social and historical phenomena that shape an individual’s behaviors, values, traditions, and ways of thinking, which are influenced by their nation, region, or state. The ideas and opinions of adolescents about the world around them are shaped by their cultural background and the level of their exposure. These determine the norms followed by them and hence, their cultural identity.

(ii) Family and societal values: Family values are beliefs, ethics, priorities, and worldviews shared by each family member. These behavior codes create structure in families and can define each member’s role. The values of the society inhabited by an adolescent shape their identity. For example, teenagers in USA are conditioned to a materialistic society in contrast to young adults in Tibet who are more spiritually inclined.

(iii) Ethnic background: Extent to which one identifies with a particular ethnic group(s). Refers to one’s sense of belonging to an ethnic group and the part of one’s thinking perceptions, feelings, and behavior that is due to ethnic group membership. Adolescents distinguish themselves as members of their ethnic group thus framing their own identity. For example, expectations of teenage behaviour and responsibilities vary across different ethnicities and tribes.

(iv) Vocational commitment: Vocational commitment is initiated by an individual’s choice of vocation which is perceived to fit his/her self-concept.Adolescents begin to think of their career as a component of their identity. For example, adolescents choose whether to study science or commerce.

(v) Socio-economic status: The term ‘socio-economic status (SES)’ refers to an individual’s position in a society which is determined by wealth, occupation, and social class and is a measure of an individual’s or group’s standing in the community. The socio-economic background of an adolescent determines the peer group and the extent of their accessibility to popular lifestyle choices that determine identity.

10. What are the challenges faced by individuals on entry to adulthood?

Ans: Entering adulthood presents several challenges for individuals. One of the primary challenges is achieving financial independence, as many must transition from relying on family support to managing their own finances through jobs or education. Another challenge is forming stable relationships, as individuals navigate romantic relationships, friendships, and family dynamics while balancing personal goals and responsibilities. Additionally, career development becomes a significant concern, as individuals work toward building a stable career path while dealing with uncertainty and competition in the workforce. Adapting to the responsibilities of adulthood, such as making life decisions, managing time, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, also poses difficulties. These challenges require emotional resilience, decision-making skills, and personal growth.