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What term describes theorists who believe development consists of quantitative changes?

1. Empiricists

2. Constructivists

3. Behaviorists

4. Cognitivists

The correct answer is: Empiricists

The term that describes theorists who believe development consists of quantitative changes is "Empiricists." This perspective is rooted in the idea that knowledge and understanding come from sensory experiences and observations. Empiricists tend to measure development in terms of observable and quantifiable data, such as age-related milestones or test scores. They often focus on changes that can be recorded and analyzed statistically, supporting the view that development is a cumulative process marked by gradual increases in skills, behaviors, or knowledge. In contrast, constructivists emphasize qualitative changes in development, focusing on how individuals actively construct their understanding of the world rather than simply accumulating data. Behaviorists are concerned primarily with observable behavior and the principles of learning, often relying on stimulus-response pairs rather than examining development as a quantitative process. Cognitivists also recognize both qualitative and quantitative changes, emphasizing the mental processes involved in understanding and learning. Each of these perspectives offers a different lens through which to view development, but it is the empiricist viewpoint that specifically aligns with the idea of development as a series of quantitative changes.