Models of development are very instrumental in addressing issues that characterize individuals and families. While the models have differences, they also have general characteristics. The characteristics include focus on human development, judgment, and focus on the impact of external forces on human behavior. For instance, Piaget’s Model of Cognitive Development explains the importance of human development using stages and explains that individuals have to involve themselves in every stage as they progress on the development ladder. Consequently, Lawrence Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development Theory asserts that human beings go through a range of stages in the process of acquiring skills. On the other hand, Loevinger’s Stages of Ego Development uses six stages to explain the relevance of human development and how people progress.
Reasoning and judgment are also some of the general characteristics that make the models similar. Apparently, all the theories use judgment and reasoning in the explanations as they address the issue of development. In Piaget’s Model of Cognitive Development, he asserts that human development is a process, which needs judgment and reasoning. According to Miazga, human beings exercise judgment and reasoning all through the stages of development. On the other hand, Piaget coins the issue of reasoning and judgment when he explains the essence of critical thinking in his model. Furthermore, Lawrence Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development Theory employs the issue of reasoning and judgment to establish the cornerstone of his argument. The theory also explains the influence that external forces have in the process of development. A close study of stage models provides an in-depth understanding of how external forces affect human progress. While the approach may be different, the explanation and focus utilized by stage models demonstrate a close relationship.