Which one of the following statement is correct about the development of the child?

Development refers to qualitative changes taking place simultaneously with quantitative changes of growth. It may be defined as a progressive series of orderly, coherent changes.

Key Points The principles that govern development-

• Role of heredity and environment - development is a result of heredity and environment.
• Development is a continuous process.
• Individual differences in the rate of development 
• The direction of Development - development proceeds from general to specific.
• Development takes place from head to toe and from center to periphery.

Hence we conclude that the statement that development proceeds from general to specific is correct about development.

Additional Information

• The development follows the principles of differentiation and integration- for example, the child first learns to differentiate between more and less.
• Critical Periods There are some periods in the life of a child that are crucial for development and learning. During these periods if the child has favorable experiences, her development will be fostered