Usually within the context of computer simulation in quantum chemistry practices (and solid-state physics), there is a distinction between ab initio and semi-empirical methods. Related to this, a controversy within the scientific and philosophical communities came about regarding the superiority of the ab initio methods due to their theoretical rigor. In this article we re-evaluate the condition of the semiempirical simulations in this area of research. We examine some of the aspects of this debate that have been considered in philosophy and provide additional elements to the analysis.

Introduction: This study addresses the relationship between social determinants in poverty contexts, parenting practices, and the psychomotor development of children aged 0 to 5 in the city of Córdoba. Methods: The Screening for psychomotor development problems at primary care level (PRUNAPE, Prueba Nacional de Pesquisa), the Parenting Practices Instrument (Instrumento de Prácticas de Crianza), and the Family Environment Questionnaire (Cuestionario de Ambiente Familiar) were applied to the mother-child coupling (246 cases). The data were analyzed based on the frequency of the categorical variables, and the summary measures of assessable variables and associations were evaluated with the chi-squared test for categorical variables, ANOVA and non-parametric test for the assessable ones. Results: A 95% confidence level was considered. Children have a close relationship with their social and environmental determinants, the development of 3 out of 10 children is at risk. The father’s educational level (p<0.001) and the mother’s employment status (or father’s) (p<0.001) were associated. The parenting practice risk was predominant in cases where the adult does not interpret the child's signals 16.66%; does not interact with songs, stories nor games 16.66%, and does not receive parenting help 20.73%. Children whose parents do not perceive their autonomy have approximately twice the risk of not passing the PRUNAPE (p<0.02, OR: 1.96; IC: 1.11-3.49). Conclusion: It may be assumed that the course of development, as a process, is associated with adult-child interaction, mother-child communication and the visualization that parents have of the children’ autonomy.