What does the term qualitative refer to in the context of developmental change?

In the context of developmental change, qualitative refers to fundamental differences in skills. This means that as individuals progress through various stages of development, they experience transformations that are not merely quantitative, such as the number of skills they acquire or the speed at which they can perform certain tasks, but rather involve significant changes in the nature of those skills themselves.

For example, a child moving from crawling to walking represents a qualitative change because it reflects a new way of moving and interacting with the environment, rather than just an increase in movement speed or duration. This notion emphasizes that developmental progress can involve shifts in capability and functionality, which aren't just about 'more' but about 'different' types of skills that fundamentally alter how an individual engages with their surroundings. This understanding is critical in fields like education and motor development, where recognizing and nurturing these qualitative changes can aid in fostering individual growth effectively.