ABSTRACT
As we noted in previous discussions (e.g., in the review in Chapter 2 of the history of concepts of development) and as we note again in this and the following two chapters, these additional approaches also relate to the core conceptual issues of human development and, as well, to the ideas associated with the various theoretical models we have already discussed. Nevertheless, these additional approaches-stage theories, the differential approach, and the ipsative approach-merit separate discussion. These three approaches, and especially the stage theory approach, have been major conceptual orientations to theory building in the field of human development (e.g., Emmerich, 1968; Muuss, 1996). Stage theories have attempted to depict universal features of development, features applicable to all humans. In turn, differential approaches have sought to identify features of development common to specific groups of people. Ipsative approaches have begun their analysis of
human development by seeking to find characteristics of human development that might be unique to individuals.
