Background and the twin study
At Yale's Clinic of Child Development, Gesell filmed thousands of children to describe behaviour at each age. In a co-twin study one identical twin was trained early in stair climbing, yet the other, trained briefly later, quickly caught up, which he took as evidence that maturation precedes learning.
Principles of development
- Developmental direction: head to toe and centre to periphery.
- Reciprocal interweaving: opposing functions such as flexion and extension alternate and integrate.
- Functional asymmetry: a preference for one hand or eye develops.
- Individuating maturation and self-regulation: each child has an individual pace.
Implications and criticism
Gesell produced developmental norms (the Gesell schedules) and influenced child-centred education and practices such as delayed school entry. Critics argue he underrated environment and culture and based norms on a small, homogeneous sample.
References
- Gesell, A., & Thompson, H. (1929). Learning and growth in identical infant twins. Genetic Psychology Monographs, 6, 1-124.
- Gesell, A., & Ilg, F. L. (1943). Infant and Child in the Culture of Today. Harper.
- Crain, W. (2015). Theories of Development: Concepts and Applications (6th ed.). Psychology Press.