Conclusions

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the developmental cascades perspective and outlines a number of implications of this framework. These implications include the heuristic value of a developmental cascades approach and how developmentalists logistically can adopt a cascade approach. The generalizability of the cascade approach is also outlined by illustrating how this approach can be applied to other domains outside of infant cognitive development, namely, the development of attachment and gender. The chapter concludes with a discussion of potential criticisms of the approach, including reframing those criticisms in terms of potential strengths or limitations that can be overcome. This chapter concludes with a “call to arms” encouraging all developmental scientists to consider change in terms of developmental cascades.