What is a qualitative view of change in human growth and development?

• A. Change occurs in structure or organization (for example, sexual development).
• B. Change is in frequency only.
• C. Change is always gradual and linear.
• D. Change is random and unpredictable.

Answer: (A)

Qualitative change focuses on a transformation in the kind or organization of functioning, not just how much there is. In human development, a qualitative shift means a new structure or pattern emerges—a reorganization of abilities, systems, or identities. Sexual development is a classic example: it introduces reproductive capacity, hormonal changes, and new psychosocial patterns that change how a person functions, not just adding more of the same abilities.

The other descriptions miss this core idea. Change in frequency only is about how often something happens (a quantitative change), not a change in the kind of functioning. Being always gradual and linear suggests a smooth, consistent increase, which doesn’t capture the sense of stepping into a new stage or reorganization. Being random and unpredictable contradicts the idea that development follows patterned, stage-like shifts.

So, the best description is a change in structure or organization, like sexual development, where development involves a reorganization of functioning rather than merely more of the same.