What issue in developmental psychology pertains to whether development is a gradual process or occurs in distinct stages?

The focus on whether development occurs as a smooth, continuous process or in distinct, separate stages is a fundamental issue in developmental psychology. Continuous development suggests that growth happens in a gradual, cumulative manner, where skills and abilities are built upon over time without specific boundaries between stages. This perspective sees development as a seamless transition from one state to another.

On the other hand, discontinuous development posits that individuals move through specific stages that are qualitatively different from one another. Each stage represents a distinct period of development characterized by unique abilities and behaviors. This view emphasizes that changes are more abrupt and that individuals may exhibit different types of behavior at different ages.

Understanding this distinction is crucial as it influences the theories and models of development that psychologists use to explain how individuals grow and change throughout their lives. This area of inquiry addresses fundamental questions about the nature of human development and informs various approaches in education, parenting, and intervention strategies. The terminology associated with continuous versus discontinuous development encapsulates this critical debate, making it the correct choice in this context.