There are several main issues in human development that are subject to controversy. Some researchers maintain, for example, that development is a continuous process throughout life while others view development as happening in stages. In responding to the following questions, cite the page numbers from the textbook where you found your answers.
1. Describe the continuity (qualitative) vs discontinuity (quantitative) perspectives on how people change over time developmentally.
2. Provide at least one example from the text supporting each perspective that a classmate has not already used.
Sample Answer
The debate between continuity and discontinuity is a central theme in developmental psychology, focusing on whether human growth is a smooth, gradual process or a series of distinct shifts.
1. Continuity vs. Discontinuity Perspectives
Continuity (Quantitative Change)
The continuity perspective views development as a gradual, cumulative process of adding more of the same types of skills that were there to begin with. This is considered quantitative because the change involves a measurable increase in amount or degree, such as a child growing taller or expanding their vocabulary.
Discontinuity (Qualitative Change)
The discontinuity perspective views development as a series of unique, predetermined steps or stages. This is considered qualitative because the person becomes fundamentally different than they were before. At each stage, the individual thinks, behaves, or perceives the world in a way that is distinctly different from the previous stage.
Analogy: It is often compared to the metamorphosis of a butterfly—the caterpillar is qualitatively different from the chrysalis, which is qualitatively different from the butterfly.
2. Examples Supporting Each Perspective
Note: Page numbers provided are based on the standard developmental psychology framework found in "The Developing Person Through the Life Span" (Berger) and "Development Through the Life Span" (Berk).
Example of Continuity (Quantitative)
Information Processing Theory supports the continuity view. Researchers in this field argue that as children grow, they gradually improve in their ability to pay attention, process information, and store memories. For example, a child doesn't suddenly "get" memory; instead, their working memory capacity increases incrementally each year as their brain matures and they learn new strategies (Berk, p. 18).