Present Models and Theories of Brain Development - Essay Example

Hypothetical essay The human brain can be considered to be very dynamic for it begins forming as early as prenatal life, but likewise in several ways, human brain development can be considered a lifelong project. This is because same events that help shape the brain during its development are likewise responsible for the adoption of new skills and memories. That is why, recent decades has seen increased interest by social scientists in understanding the functions and development of human brain.

The general question presented by this article is therefore ‘‘Why should developmental psychologists care about brain development?’’ In a way, the solution to the question is simply indicating that psychologists have continuously considered the development of the human brain in the formulation of their models and theories. One can argue that the foundation of traditional human thinking in this area, whether employed implicitly or explicitly, is focused on outdated biological theories and models.

This is factual and has in recent past prompted the study into current brain models and theories. Thus, a more compelling question, then, would be ‘‘is there any need for developmental psychologists to care about present models and theories of brain development?’’ The most appropriate approach to addressing this question comes from a reexamination of the paradigm of innateness as it is employed in current arguments within developmental psychology. More specifically, can the understanding of the development of the brain inform either developmental psychologist’s experimental work or their content of theories or models?

Certainly this is a fact for human behaviors that is considered the main concern of developmental psychologist’s experimental work do not develop or occur in a vacuum but are particularly tied to both the situations in which an action or thought occurs and to the area that mediates and support behavior which is the neural system. Understandings of the development of the brain inform these professionals and assist in addressing the difficulty in linking the human brain on one hand and behavior on the other hand.

Ironically though, is the manner in which the human brain develops. The other hypothetical question would be what plays a more significant role in brain development, nurture (environment) or nature (genes)? Both Environment and Genes interact at each step of brain development, however, they play different roles. In a nutshell, genes are liable for the basic connection for forming all of all brain cells otherwise known as the neurons and general wiring among various brain regions. Experience, on the other hand, ensures there is fine-tuning of those connections, thus assisting each adapt to the given environment such as geographical, family, cultural, peer-group among others.

The final question that remains to be answered is whether the facts about brain development should be of actual importance to developmental psychologists concerned about problems of behavioral development. Certainly it should be a concern. Neural development is of importance to any individual and as such should be of top priority. Likewise, the correlation that exists between brain development and human behavior necessitates the concern by developmental psychologists. Reference Joan Stiles, (2009).

On Genes, Brains, and Behavior: Why Should Developmental Psychologists Care About Brain Development? university of California, San Diego.