An infant's sudden ability to conceive of object permanence—the understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight—is a key example used to illustrate discontinuous development. This cognitive leap is seen as a sudden change, representing a shift into a new and distinct stage of development.

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Discontinuous development is a theory proposing that human growth occurs in distinct, unique stages that are tied to specific times or ages. According to this view, developmental changes are sudden and qualitative, rather than gradual. A classic example is an infant's sudden grasp of object permanence, which represents a new stage of cognitive ability.

Discontinuous Development

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Example of Discontinuous Development: Object Permanence

Piaget's theory of cognitive development posits that our ability to think and reason evolves through a series of distinct stages, each approximately associated with a specific age range. This theory is a key example of the discontinuity approach, suggesting that as children move from one stage to the next, there is a significant and qualitative shift in their cognitive processes. Piaget viewed thinking as a central element of development and believed children are naturally inquisitive learners whose reasoning differs from that of adults.

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Based on the case study provided, how would a theorist who believes in a discontinuous model of development interpret the child's sudden change in understanding?

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