Stage Theory

Stage Theory refers to the idea that development or understanding occurs in distinct, sequential phases, where each stage represents a level of growth or sophistication in knowledge or skill. For example, in psychology, Erik Erikson's stages outline how people develop socially and emotionally throughout their lives. In learning, individuals might move through stages from basic awareness of a subject to advanced mastery. This concept helps us understand that progress is not always linear; individuals may revisit earlier stages as they encounter new information or challenges, emphasizing the complexity of growth in knowledge or skills.