ABSTRACT
Discussions of development have varied in their emphasis on the contributions that the early characteristics of the child and characteristics of the environment make to later behavior. One of the major shortcomings in such presentations is an inadequate conceptualization of the environment. Bronfenbrenner and Crouter (1983) traced the history of empirical investigations of the environment and showed how theoretical limitations have placed limits on the sophistication of research paradigms. The goal of this presentation is to expand upon our understanding of the child’s environment and especially its dynamic regulatory function in development.
