Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows.Jim, who believes in stage theories of human development, is reading a paper on famous psychologist Erik Erikson. In Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, children aged 3 to 5 years old struggle with becoming responsible for beginning tasks. Since Jim believes that human development often occurs in distinct stages, which of the following statements would he agree with?
What is the main difference between continuity theories of development and stage theories of development?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Stage development theories, which are largely influenced by biological processes, state that human growth or development occurs in distinct stages that are qualitatively different from each other. Continuity theories of development state that development occurs gradually and is pushed by one’s experiences and learning.
If human development really does proceed continuously, what value does stage theories of development have?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Even if human development is continuous, there is some value in stage theories of development. A stage theory of development allows experts to examine the developmental progress of individuals and establish a basis for developmental changes. This can help identify developmental issues earlier. Stage theories can also help researchers who are examining physical development examine discrete changes in the brain that allow certain developmental milestones to be reached. Finally, stage theories can give one a sense of where an individual is developmentally, and can prepare the person for changes that may occur during their lifetime.
Personality is most malleable before __________.
Which of the following is an assumption of continuity theories?
Personality appears to _________ as individuals age.
Provide one reason that leads psychologists to believe personality changes and one reason that leads psychologists to believe personality remains stable.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Psychological research indicates that personality seems to be malleable or changing as one experiences child and adolescent development, but aspects of personality, such as one’s temperament and emotionality, seem to remain stable into adulthood.
All of the following are examples of stage theories in development except __________.
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