What does the normative approach in psychology focus on?

The normative approach in psychology focuses on age-related averages for developmental milestones, making it essential for understanding typical patterns of growth and development throughout different stages of life. This approach is grounded in the observation and statistical analysis of a majority of individuals within a population, allowing researchers to establish benchmarks, or norms, against which the development of individuals can be assessed. By identifying what is typical at various ages, this method helps psychologists recognize when a child or individual is developing within expected parameters or when there might be delays or atypical patterns that need further investigation.

This perspective is particularly important in developmental psychology, where understanding the milestones for physical, cognitive, and emotional development provides a framework for identifying healthy growth trajectories and guiding interventions when necessary.