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.
3. Cite the page numbers from the text where you drew your information from.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Read the Question Carefully (Don’t Skip This)

Before writing, note that this assignment asks for:

A comparison of two perspectives
Examples from the textbook
Page-number citations

Missing any of these will cost points, even if your explanation is strong.

Step 2: Plan Your Structure Before You Write

Use this simple structure to stay organized and clear:

Short introduction
Explanation of continuity
Explanation of discontinuity
One text-based example for each perspective
Page-number citations

Step 3: Write a Brief Introduction

Start with 2–3 sentences that:

Introduce the debate in human development
Mention continuity and discontinuity as opposing viewpoints

💡 Tutor tip: Do not include examples yet—save those for later paragraphs.

Step 4: Explain the Continuity Perspective

In one clear paragraph:

Define continuity as development occurring gradually and smoothly over time
Emphasize quantitative change (skills increase, decrease, or improve)
Use academic language from your textbook

📌 End the paragraph with a page-number citation.

Step 5: Explain the Discontinuity Perspective

In a new paragraph:

Define discontinuity as development occurring in distinct stages
Emphasize qualitative change (new ways of thinking or behaving)
Clearly contrast it with continuity

📌 Again, include the page number from the textbook.

Step 6: Add Unique Textbook Examples

Create one example per perspective, making sure:

The examples are directly from the textbook
They have not already been used by classmates
Each example clearly supports the perspective it belongs to

✔ Example types that work well:

Cognitive development
Moral development
Physical growth patterns

📌 Cite the exact page number for each example.

Step 7: Double-Check Before Submitting

Before posting, confirm:

✔ Both perspectives are clearly explained
✔ Examples are textbook-based and original
✔ Every paragraph with textbook content includes a page number
✔ Writing is clear, concise, and academic

Helpful Academic Resources

You can use these for concept clarification only (your examples and citations must still come from your textbook):

OpenStax Lifespan Development (free textbook):
https://openstax.org/details/books/lifespan-development
Simply Psychology – Continuity vs Discontinuity:
https://www.simplypsychology.org/developmental-continuity.html
Verywell Mind – Stages of Development:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-developmental-psychology-2795081

Continuity vs Discontinuity in Human Development Explained