17. Which of the following developmental concepts accounts for the finding that children develop the ability to control their arms before they develop the ability to control their legs?
Answer: B
The cephalocaudal principle explains the development of arm control before leg control in children.
Children's development typically follows a sequence where control of the head and upper body precedes control of the lower body. This is known as the cephalocaudal principle, which emphasizes that development occurs from top to bottom.
A) The proximodistal principle
The proximodistal principle refers to the development of motor control from the center of the body outward towards the extremities. While it explains how children gain control of their arms and legs, it does not specifically address the sequence in which arm control precedes leg control.
B) The cephalocaudal principle
This principle is directly relevant as it describes how children gain control over their head, neck, and upper body before developing control over their legs and lower body. Therefore, it accurately accounts for the observed developmental timeline of motor control in children.
C) Schema theory
Schema theory focuses on how knowledge is organized and processed in the brain, particularly in relation to cognitive development. It does not pertain to the physical development sequence of motor skills such as arm and leg control.
D) Synaptic pruning
Synaptic pruning is a neurological process that occurs as the brain matures, where unused connections in the brain are eliminated. While it plays a role in overall development, it does not explain the sequence of motor skill development related to arms and legs.
E) Orthogenesis
Orthogenesis is a historical concept suggesting a predetermined direction of development in organisms. It does not specifically address the sequential development of motor skills in children and is not relevant to the question posed.
Conclusion
The cephalocaudal principle is the most accurate explanation for why children develop control of their arms before their legs, highlighting the top-down progression of motor skill development. The other options either describe different aspects of development or do not relate to the specific sequence in question, reinforcing that B is the definitive correct choice.