What does maturation refer to in psychological terms?

Maturation, in psychological terms, specifically refers to the biological growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior, relatively uninfluenced by experience. This concept emphasizes that development is governed by an organism's genetic makeup. As such, maturation involves the unfolding of an individual’s potential according to pre-determined genetic timelines, such as physical growth and the development of motor skills.

In contrast, the impact of experiences on learning pertains more to environmental influences and experiential learning, while the process of forming attachments relates to social and emotional development, not strictly biological changes. Furthermore, progression through cognitive stages, often associated with theorists like Jean Piaget, focuses on intellectual development influenced by both maturation and experience, but does not solely represent the concept of maturation itself. Thus, the correct answer captures the essence of maturation as it relates specifically to genetic and biological growth rather than learned behavior or cognitive processes.