Final answer:
A behaviorist is the type of theorist likely to view development as continuous, focusing on gradual accumulation of behaviors, unlike psychoanalytic, cognitive-developmental, and psychosocial theorists, who view development as discontinuous with distinct stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the theorists listed, a behaviorist is likely to view development as continuous. Behaviorists focus on the study of observable behaviors and believe that development is a gradual and cumulative process. Development in this view involves the continuous adding of behaviors and skills through learning and experience, rather than through progression of set stages.
In contrast, psychoanalytic theorists like Sigmund Freud, believe in a discontinuous model of development, emphasizing fixed stages of psychosexual development. Similarly, cognitive-developmental theorists such as Jean Piaget propose that cognitive development unfolds in specific stages, marking a discontinuous approach. Lastly, psychosocial theorists like Erik Erikson also view development through stages of life where social interaction plays a key role, thus following a discontinuous model.