Do You Go for Continuity or Discontinuity?

The continuity view says that change is gradual. Children become more skillful in thinking, talking or acting much the same way as they get taller. The discontinuity view sees development as more abrupt-a succession of changes that produce different behaviors in different age-specific life periods called stages.

What is difference between continuity and discontinuity?

Discontinuity in human development usually signifies some form of change, whereas continuity implies maintaining the status quo (Lerner, 2002). Continuity and discontinuity include descriptions of and explanations for behavior, which are not necessarily undivided.

Do you see development as more continuous or more discontinuous?

Continuous development sees our development as a cumulative process: Changes are gradual. On the other hand, discontinuous development sees our development as taking place in specific steps or stages: Changes are sudden.

Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett

Culture, Media & Entertainment Columnist

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.