Areas of Lifespan Development

Question 0

Quantitative vs qualitative changes

Answer 0

Quantitative changes: variations in the ‘quantity’ of a thought, feeling or behaviour, usually expressed in numbers.
Qualitative changes: those that vary in quality, kind or type. Concepts such as justice and honesty.

Question 1

Continuous vs discontinuous

Answer 1

Continuous development: gradual changes throughout the lifespan without sudden shifts, with abilities in earlier stages. I.e single, smooth straight line.
Discontinuous development: distinct stages, with specific abilities occurring in each stage. I.e. Identifiable start and end points.

Question 2

Differences within vs differences between individuals

Answer 2

Within: an individual may seem shy as a child, but may become confident as an adult.
Between: one individuals may develop more slowly or quickly than others. I.e. No two individuals are the same.

Question 3

Lifespan development

Answer 3

Age-related changes that occur from birth, throughout a persons life and into old age.

Question 4

Developmental change

Answer 4

A changes that is permanent.