← Psychology syllabus

EnglandPsychology

3.3 Development

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the brain develop before birth and in early childhood?

Early brain development: the development of the brain in the womb and early years, the role of nature and experience, and Willatts' study of the development of means-end behaviour in infants.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.3, covering how the brain develops before birth and in the early years, the roles of nature and experience, and Willatts' study of the development of means-end behaviour in infants.
8 min answer →

How can psychology be applied to learning and education?

The application of Piaget's theory to education, the effect of learning styles and Dweck's fixed and growth mindsets, and the role of praise and self-efficacy in learning.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.3, covering how Piaget's theory has been applied to education, the idea of learning styles, Dweck's fixed and growth mindsets, and the role of praise and self-efficacy in learning.
8 min answer →

How does Piaget explain the stages of cognitive development?

Piaget's stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor, pre-operational, concrete operational and formal operational, plus key concepts such as schemas, conservation and egocentrism.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.3, covering Piaget's four stages of cognitive development (sensorimotor, pre-operational, concrete operational and formal operational) and key concepts including schemas, conservation, egocentrism and object permanence.
9 min answer →

How do nature and nurture interact to shape development?

The nature-nurture debate in development: the influence of genes (nature) and environment (nurture), and how they interact to shape behaviour and abilities.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.3, explaining the nature-nurture debate, the influence of genes (nature) and the environment (nurture) on development, and how the two interact to shape behaviour and abilities.
8 min answer →