A major strength of ecological theory is its framework for explaining–

A major strength of ecological theory is its framework for explaining– Options: (a) Environmental influences on development (b) Biological influences on development (c) Cognitive development (d) Affective processes in development ✅ Correct option: (a) Environmental influences on development Explanation (200+ words): The ecological theory of development, proposed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, emphasizes the critical role of environmental systems in shaping human development. The theory identifies multiple layers of environmental influence, including the microsystem (family, school), mesosystem (interactions between microsystems), exosystem (social settings indirectly affecting the child), and macrosystem (cultural and societal norms). The primary strength of this theory is that it provides a structured framework to analyze how environmental factors impact behavior, learning, and personality development. While biological factors are acknowledged, ecological theory is particularly concerned with environmental influences rather than genetics or purely cognitive processes. It also helps educators design interventions by considering family, peers, community, and societal factors. Hence, option (a) is correct. 10 PPSC-Oriented Facts: 1. Developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner. 2. Focuses on environmental systems. 3. Microsystem includes family and school. 4. Mesosystem is interaction between microsystems. 5. Exosystem involves indirect influences. 6. Macrosystem refers to culture and society. 7. Applicable in educational planning. 8. Emphasizes context in child development. 9. Integrates social, economic, and cultural factors. 10. Widely used in child psychology and policy design.