Relations Between Short-Term and Long-Term Conceptual Change

The relation between short-term and long-term change (aka learning and development, microgenetic and macrogenetic change) is among the enduring issues in developmental psychology. Classic theories of cognitive development have taken strong stances on this issue; indeed, part of the reason that these theories are considered classic is that they include clear and well-argued positions about the relation of short-term and long-term change. The stances that have been taken by the classic theorists, however, vary considerably.