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Description:
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the orthogenetic theory of Heinz V7erner as it applies to the development of categorizing behavior of average and slow learning children , and average and schizophrenic adults . Werner (1948 , 1957 ) postulated that in whatever context development occurs , it begins from an initial stage of globality , proceeds through a stage of differentiation , and culminates in a final stage of hierarchic integration of the differentiated parts . Werner held that his orthogenetic principle not only applied to normal development , but also to the mental development of the schizophrenic and the mental retardate . He postulated that the mentally retarded individual follows the same developmental sequence as does the average individual but at a slower rate and that he evidences earlier developmental arrest . In the thought processes of the schizophrenic , Werner discerned evidence of developmental regression . Werner's theoretical formulations concerning the comparative development of the categorizing behavior of mentally average , mentally below average , and schizophrenic individuals have not been empirically investigated . |