Karmiloff-Smith argued that we have blueprints for modularity, but the final shape of the architecture is determined by:

• A. Environment and genes
• B. Innate preprogramming only
• C. External training alone
• D. Random development

Answer: (A)

Development of brain architecture arises from the interaction between inherited tendencies and lived experiences. Karmiloff-Smith held that there are rough blueprints for modularity, but the final organization is shaped by ongoing development as the brain encounters tasks, stimuli, and training. Genes set initial biases and constraints, while environment provides learning experiences that can reorganize and fine‑tune networks. This stands in contrast to ideas of pure innate preprogramming, training alone, or random development, because none of those capture the essential cooperation between biology and experience that produces the final, individualized neural architecture.