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What is the main characteristic of the discontinuity perspective in human development?

1. Development is smooth and gradual.

2. Development involves clear, qualitatively different changes.

3. Development is solely influenced by genetics.

4. Development is only affected by environmental factors.

The correct answer is: Development involves clear, qualitatively different changes.

The discontinuity perspective in human development is characterized by the belief that development occurs in distinct stages or steps, where each stage is marked by qualitative differences in behaviors, thoughts, and characteristics compared to previous stages. This perspective emphasizes that individuals may experience sudden shifts in functioning, indicating that development is not a smooth, continuous process but rather a series of abrupt transitions that lead to significant changes in an individual's capabilities or understanding. For instance, children may demonstrate a radically different way of thinking or behaving as they reach different developmental milestones, such as moving from concrete operational thinking to abstract reasoning during adolescence. This perspective is contrasted with the idea that development unfolds gradually, as it posits that individuals might remain in one stage for a period before transitioning to a markedly different stage. Therefore, the main characteristic highlighted in this perspective centers on these clear, qualitatively different changes that signify distinct phases within the developmental process.