Discontinuity: The Hallmark of Developmental Science

Article type: Review Article

Authors: Sameroff, Arnold J.

Affiliations: The Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Arnold J. Sameroff, The Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, 300 North Ingalls, 10th Floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0406, USA; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Developmental science aims to understand relations between the past, present, and future. Prior emphases on deterministic predictions based on continuities in biological or psychological traits have given way to multivariate and multilevel probabilistic estimates based on environmental transactions at every level. Continuity is now seen as an epiphenomenon of stable organism-environment relations. The study of discontinuities between levels over time provides the foundation for designing interventions to improve life trajectories by changing organism-environment relations.

Keywords: developmental science, continuity, discontinuity, opportunity structure, meaning systems

DOI: 10.3233/DEV-2012-11100

Journal: International Journal of Developmental Science, vol. 6, no. 1-2, pp. 37-39, 2012