Answer :
Final answer:
The Kauai Longitudinal Study revealed that early child-rearing environments and strategies option 4) have a marked effect on development, especially during childhood, although this influence diminishes over time. Attachment and the interaction with caretakers are crucial for child development, while genetics also play a significant role.
Explanation:
In the Kauai Longitudinal Study, Werner and Smith found that early child-rearing environments and strategies 4) have a marked effect on development. This study, among others, has highlighted the significance of early environmental factors on the developmental trajectory of children. While the influence of shared environment, such as that provided by parents and caretakers, may not strongly affect adult personality, it does appear to have a profound impact during earlier stages of development, particularly in childhood.
It is important to understand, however, that while parents play a crucial role in providing a nourishing and stimulating environment, their ability to shape a child's future capabilities or dispositions is not absolute. Various studies, as referenced by Harris (2006) and Roberts & Del Vecchio (2000), indicate that the influence of shared environment wanes as a child matures. Furthermore, attachment theory, as studied by John Bowlby and others, suggests that the emotional bonds formed in early childhood do require interaction with caretakers and this pivotal relationship impacts future developmental outcomes.
Nevertheless, the role of genetics and the natural unfolding of a child's innate characteristics, such as temperament, cannot be dismissed. It's the intricate interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors that shapes developmental processes. Longitudinal research designs have been pivotal in establishing the importance of early experiences and their long-term effects on an individual's development.
