Key Idea: Human development is shaped by relationships and environment over time — attachment, peers and culture all leave a mark.
Topic 3.2 at a glance
- Development of self — Attachment shapes the template for later relationships.
- Influences — Peers, enculturation and environment shape development.
- Change over time — Development is gradual; measured with longitudinal designs.
Attachment · Influences · Change
IB-style questionExplain[6 marks]
In the context of human development, explain how early attachment could influence later relationships.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
What is attachment? The early emotional bond that shapes later relationships.
One influence on development? Peers, culture (enculturation) or environment.
How is development studied? Longitudinal designs following the same people over time.
Thread the concept of change: development is gradual and shaped by both biology and experience — avoid single-cause claims.