Final answer:
The statement 'Weight Predicts Athleticism' is the exception amongst the principles of motor development. Weight alone does not reflect a person's ability to develop motor skills or athletic potential, as this is influenced by a multitude of factors including genetics, environment, and training.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the principles of motor development, it's essential to analyze statements that reflect current understanding in developmental psychology and related fields. The exception in the provided list is "Weight Predicts Athleticism." This is because motor development and athletic ability are influenced by a variety of factors, which include genetics, environment, and opportunities for practice, and not weight alone. Motor skills naturally evolve through stages and can be influenced by play and cultural factors. While a child's development, including motor skills development, often follows a predictable sequence, the rate at which they reach developmental milestones can vary greatly among individuals. Moreover, weight is not a reliable predictor of athletic ability. Athleticism is multifactorial and depends on a combination of physical fitness, skill, and often sport-specific training.
Children's motor development progresses through play and is guided by innate abilities and environmental interactions. Even though milestones such as sitting, crawling, and walking are achieved at about the same age across cultures, the exact age and how rapidly a skill is acquired can differ due to various cultural practices and individual rates of development. It is well-established that children do not proceed through developmental stages based on age alone and that children develop at different rates. The nature of an individual's genetics and biology, along with their environment, play significant roles in the development of fine and gross motor skills.