Developmental progress: Gradual or Discontinuous

Question 1

Continuity approach:

Answer 1

Views development as a gradual process, merging stages without abrupt changes.

Question 2

Continuity approach:

Answer 2

Visualised as a rainbow with one stage merging into the next.

Question 3

Discontinuity approach:

Answer 3

Views development as a staircase to be claimed with behaviour on one step being different from the preceding one.

Question 4

Discontinuity approach:

Answer 4

Changes from one step to the next are abrupt.

Question 5

Features and changes:

Answer 5

Some features appear more continuous, like the gradual development of infant temperament into later personality.

Question 6

Features and changes:

Answer 6

Other features seem to develop more abruptly, like sudden mobility, despite underlying physical development being more gradual.

Question 7

Implications:

Answer 7

The changes people undergo over the lifespan are either gradual or abrupt.