What is meant by a range of reaction in developmental psychology?

In developmental psychology, a range of reaction refers to the concept that an individual’s genetic predispositions interact with environmental factors to shape various developmental outcomes. This means that while genetics set certain potentials or limits, the environment plays a significant role in determining how those potentials are expressed.

For example, a child may inherit a genetic predisposition for high intelligence, but the extent to which that potential is realized can vary significantly based on environmental conditions such as educational opportunities, socioeconomic status, and familial support. This dynamic interaction underscores the importance of both nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) in development.

The other options do not capture this interplay. Genetic determinism would imply that genetics solely dictate development without considering environmental effects. Specifying a fixed outcome for development disregards the variability and flexibility inherent to human development. Lastly, while peer influence is significant, it is just one aspect of the environmental factors that interact with genetic predispositions, rather than a comprehensive explanation of the range of reaction concept.