Final answer:
The gradual approach to development is best visualized as a staircase, emphasizing continuous, cumulative improvement on existing skills, akin to a staircase building upon each step.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gradual approach to development can be visualized as a staircase. This concept highlights that development is a continuous process, where individuals improve on existing skills in a cumulative manner. Just like a staircase that consistently builds upon the previous step, human development in this perspective entails regular, predictable progress in abilities and understanding. In contrast to the staircase analogy of continuous development, a discontinuous view of development might be likened to stages that are distinct and separate, which would be more adequately represented by a rainbow or flower, where changes are less uniform and more distinct.
Consider, for example, a child's physical growth where one may witness a steady increase in height over the years, or cognitive development where learning tends to build upon itself, gradually increasing in complexity. A staircase serves as an effective metaphor for these types of continuous, steady progressions as seen in various developmental programs and educational curricula that are designed to steadily build knowledge and skills over time.