Continuous Process Vs. Development In Stages & Universal Vs Context-Specific Perspectives On Development

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.

Describe the continuity (qualitative) vs discontinuity (quantitative) perspectives on how people change over time developmentally. Provide at least one example from the text supporting each perspective. Cite the page numbers from the text where you drew your information from. A study indicating older people who were cranky when younger are still cranky when older would support the notion of continuity rather than discontinuity.
Describe the universal versus context-specific perspectives on development. In other words, does culture impact development or does development occur regardless of sociocultural context? Give at least one example that supports each perspective. An example of a context-specific factor impacting development can be seen when children in some African cultures who are carried piggyback style learn to walk months earlier than North American infants. These infants have the opportunity to strengthen specific muscle groups that are involved in walking.

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Human development is a complex process, and researchers have debated how it unfolds over time. Here’s a breakdown of two main perspectives:

Continuity: This view emphasizes gradual, quantitative changes that accumulate throughout life (Santrock, 2021, p. 142). Imagine building a brick wall – each new brick represents a small change, but over time, a significant structure emerges.

  • Example: The textbook mentions a study on vocabulary development (p. 143). Children gradually learn new words throughout their lives, building on their existing vocabulary. This exemplifies the continuous accumulation of knowledge

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Discontinuity: This perspective suggests development occurs in distinct stages with qualitative leaps in skills and abilities (Santrock, 2021, p. 142). Think of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly – there’s a clear shift from one form to another.

  • Example: Piaget’s theory of cognitive development (p. 142) proposes distinct stages like the sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years) and the preoperational stage (2-7 years). Each stage involves a qualitative difference in how children understand the world.

The Cranky Example:

The study you mentioned about cranky individuals remaining cranky supports continuity. It suggests personality traits persist over time, aligning with the idea of gradual, quantitative changes (Santrock, 2021, p. 142).

Universal vs. Context-Specific Development (pp. 88-89)

Another debate centers on the role of culture in development:

Universal: This perspective argues that certain developmental milestones are universal across cultures, driven by biological maturation (Santrock, 2021, p. 88).

  • Example: All typically developing children, regardless of culture, will eventually learn to walk and talk. These milestones are driven by biological maturation.

Context-Specific: This perspective emphasizes the influence of cultural factors on development (Santrock, 2021, p. 88).

  • Example: The piggyback carrying example you provided highlights how cultural practices can influence development. Children carried this way may develop walking skills earlier due to the specific muscle strengthening it provides (Santrock, 2021, p. 89).

Finding the Balance:

These perspectives aren’t mutually exclusive. Development likely involves a combination of universal patterns influenced by specific cultural contexts (Santrock, 2021, p. 89).

Remember, these are just a few key concepts. Referencing the textbook (Santrock, 2021) for further details and additional examples will provide a more comprehensive understanding of these fascinating and ongoing debates in human development.

 

 

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