Final answer:
Biological developmental theories pertain to physical and genetic development aspects, whereas cognitive developmental theories focus on the mental processes of learning and understanding. These theories work in tandem with biological stages enabling cognitive achievements. Additionally, theories like Erikson’s psychosocial development emphasize the influence of social interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Biological developmental theories and cognitive developmental theories both contribute to our understanding of how children learn, and are studied by developmental psychologists. Biological development encompasses physical changes in the body, brain, the senses, motor skills, and overall health.
Cognitive development, on the other hand, is focused on mental processes such as learning, attention, memory, language, thinking, reasoning, and creativity. These two forms of development interconnect as changes in the brain allow for new cognitive capacities.
For example, as children's brains develop biologically, they are able to progress through the stages of cognitive development proposed by Jean Piaget, moving from simple reflex actions to complex, abstract thinking.
Biological developmental theories emphasize the physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying development, such as maturation of the brain and body. Meanwhile, cognitive developmental theories, like those proposed by Piaget, focus on how children's thought processes evolve over time and how they come to understand the world around them. Cognitive development is thought to occur through a series of stages where children's ways of thinking become increasingly sophisticated.
Working together, these theories suggest that stages of biological development enable corresponding cognitive achievements and that each informs the other.
For instance, the onset of language abilities occurs alongside critical periods in brain development. The interplay between maturation (nature) and learning experiences (nurture) creates a holistic view of child development.
Erikson's theory of psychosocial development complements these theories by emphasizing the role of social interaction in development. Erikson proposed that individuals pass through different stages that revolve around social and emotional challenges, setting the stage for identity and relationship formation which can affect and be affected by cognitive development.