As children grow, they encounter numerous experiences which influence their development. The question that often arises is whether children follow a set pattern of development or whether it is selective and eclectic.

In essence, does nature or nurture hold greater power in the development of children?.

Selective Development

Selective development refers to a state in which children seem to excel in one area while remaining average or below average in another area of their development. For instance, a child may be intellectually advanced but struggle socially.

Selective development, in this case, is caused by nature. It is believed that a child’s genes play a key role in various aspects of their development. Children inherit traits from their parents, such as intelligence, personality, physical abilities, and more.

Thus, some children may have a better foundation for certain areas of their development compared to others.

Eclectic Development

Eclectic development refers to a state where children develop certain skills from multiple sources. This state is caused by nurture. A child’s environment significantly influences their development.

For instance, children may learn social skills from observing their parents, teachers, and other adults around them. This type of development is usually characterized by a balanced distribution of abilities across various areas.

The Debate on Nature vs. Nurture

The debate on nature vs. nurture has been ongoing for years, and it is difficult to conclusively determine which one holds more power in the development of children.

Studies have shown that both nature and nurture play a significant role in children’s development. Scientists have found that biological factors (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) interact to shape a child’s overall development.

Examples of Selective Development

There are several areas of development that can follow selective development in children.

Language

Some children may experience selective development in language. For instance, a child may be an excellent speaker but struggle with reading and writing.

In this case, the child’s genes may have given them a talent for spoken language, but their environment may not have provided the optimal conditions for reading and writing development.

Musical Ability

Some children may also show selective development in music ability. For instance, a child may be a talented singer but may struggle to keep rhythm with instruments.

Here again, genes may provide the child a natural propensity towards singing, while their environment may not be conducive to rhythmic development.

Examples of Eclectic Development

Eclectic development is usually characterized by a balanced development across various areas. Here are some examples of areas that can follow eclectic development in children.

Cognitive Development

Cognitive development refers to a child’s ability to understand their surroundings, comprehend ideas, and think abstractly. Cognitive development is influenced by factors such as a child’s environment and social interactions.

For instance, a child may develop cognitive abilities through observing their parents and interacting with their peers.

Motor Skills

Motor skill development encompasses a child’s physical movements, including grasping, crawling, and walking.

Motor skill development is generally influenced by environmental factors such as play experiences and opportunities for movement exploration. A child who has ample opportunities to engage in physical activities is likely to have better-developed motor skills compared to one who is sedentary.

Conclusion

Selective and eclectic development is a common occurrence in children. While nature and nurture both play crucial roles in development, the extent of their influence varies.

As children grow and encounter new experiences, their genetic makeup and their environment interact to determine developmental outcomes.