Chapter 4: Problem 1

Describe how the human body develops in the first two years of life, including the four principles that govern its growth.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Human body development in the first two years follows a systematic pattern. Initially, a baby learns to control the head and gradually acquires other motor skills. At the end of two years, most babies can run, climb and speak a few words. The four principles governing this development are: the Cephalocaudal principle, the Proximodistal principle, the Principle of Hierarchical Integration and the Principle of the Independence of Systems.

Step by step solution

Initial Development

In the initial stages after birth, a baby begins to gain weight and grow in size rapidly. Most newborns follow a predictable level of physical development. Within the first few months, the baby will be able to lift its head, roll over and sit up with support.

Development in the First Year

As the baby grows into the first year, they start to gain more motor skills. They learn to sit without support, crawl, and towards the end of the first year or so, begin to walk. By the end of the first year, most babies have doubled their birth weight and grown in length.

Development in the Second Year

During the second year, the physical development continues and the baby starts to walk without support, run, and climb steps. They can also hold small objects, feed themselves, and start to speak a few words.

Explanation of the Four Principles of Growth

The Cephalocaudal principle describes how growth starts from the head and progresses downwards to the rest of the body. The Proximodistal principle states that development starts from the centre of the body and moves towards the extremities. The Principle of Hierarchical Integration suggests that simple abilities typically develop separately and independently but are later integrated into more complex ones. And lastly, the Principle of the Independence of Systems means that different body systems grow at different rates.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Describe how the human body develops in the first two years of life, including the four principles that govern its growth.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Initial Development

Development in the First Year

Development in the Second Year

Explanation of the Four Principles of Growth

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

Emotion and Motivation

Biopsychology

Gender

Issues and Debates in Psychology

Famous Psychologists

Sensation and Perception

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.