Who among the following is most likely taking the traditional approach to the study of development?

• A. A researcher who focuses primarily on childhood and adolescence as the most important periods of development.
• B. A scientist who emphasizes the importance of cultural and historical context in shaping development.
• C. A psychologist who studies development as a lifelong process, including adulthood and old age.
• D. An educator who believes that development is highly influenced by social interactions throughout the lifespan.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the traditional approach to the study of development, which typically emphasizes specific, critical periods such as childhood and adolescence as the primary stages where development occurs.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the traditional approach often views development as a series of distinct stages, focusing less on lifelong development or the influence of broader contexts like culture or social interactions.
3. Step 3: Analyze each option by identifying whether it aligns with this stage-focused, early-life emphasis characteristic of the traditional approach.
4. Step 4: Note that a researcher focusing primarily on childhood and adolescence fits the traditional approach because they concentrate on these key developmental periods rather than the entire lifespan or contextual factors.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the option describing a researcher who focuses on childhood and adolescence best represents the traditional approach to studying development.