The discontinuous view attributes growth as changes in abilities that delineate stages of development. Which example illustrates this view?

• A. Language development.
• B. Personality maturation.
• C. Reflex refinement.
• D. Sleep patterns.

Answer: (A)

Discontinuous development centers on growth that happens in distinct stages, each with a qualitatively different ability. Language development fits this because children typically move through clear stages: from prelinguistic sounds and gestures to first words, then two-word phrases, and finally complex sentences. Each stage represents a new way of thinking and communicating, not just a gradual increase in words.

Other options tend to reflect ongoing refinement or patterns rather than sharp, stage-like shifts: reflex refinement progresses more gradually as motor control matures; sleep patterns change with biology and rhythms rather than marking new cognitive-communicative abilities; personality maturation tends to unfold gradually over time rather than through discrete, qualitatively different stages.

So language development exemplifies the idea of growth as distinct, stage-defining changes in abilities.