Reflections on Two
Major Developmental
Issues
Module 11-9
By: Austin Harcarik
Kayla Hackett
Alyssa Abeleda
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Continuity and
Stages
generally, researchers who emphasize experience
and learning see development as a slow,
continuous shaping process
although progress through the various stages may
be quick or slow, everyone passes through the
stages in the same order
the stage theories of Jean Piaget (cognitive
development), Lawrence Kohlberg (moral
development), and Erik Erikson (psychosocial
development) propose that life can be divided into
neatly defined, age-linked stages
Continuity and Stages
(continued)
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some research casts doubt on
the idea that life proceeds
through specific stages
nevertheless, the concept of
stage remains useful. Stage
theories contribute a
developmental perspective on
the whole life span, by
suggesting how people of one
age think and act differently
when they arrive at a later age
Stability and Change
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Researchers generally agree on the following points:
The first two years of life don’t really affect one’s
eventual traits. Older children and teens also change.
Although delinquent children have elevated rates of
work problems, alcohol and drug abuse, and crime,
they still are more likely to evolve into mature and
successful adults. As people grow older, their
personality stabilizes.
Some characteristics, such as temperament, are
more stable than others, such as social attitudes.
Stability and Change
(continued)
• A research led by Avshalom Caspi
studied 1000 New Zealanders ages 326, and they were surprised by the
consistency of temperment and
emotionality across time
• Attitude becomes more stable with age
• For most people, life goals also become
more stable