A campus group that was trying to prevent hazing discussed its options for several years.However,when a student died from hazing,the group became more unified and productive,and eventually it changed the campus's attitude toward hazing.The task force's development is MOST consistent with a ___ model.

A) hierarchical phase
B) successive-stage
C) cyclical
D) balance
E) punctuated equilibrium

The development of the task force is consistent with punctuated equilibrium model, which suggests that change occurs in bursts after long periods of stability. The group discussed options for several years without much progress or change. However, the death of a student served as a "disruptive event" that caused the group to become more unified and productive, leading to a significant change in attitude toward hazing. This fits the pattern of punctuated equilibrium, where a long period of stability is interrupted by a sudden burst of change following a disruptive event.