Exploring Developmental Psychology
Understanding Theory and Methods
- Margaret Harris - Oxford Brookes University, UK, University of London, UK, Aston University, UK
Developmental Psychology (General)
A wide range of techniques is used to investigate children's development. This book, which is aimed at advanced undergraduates and postgraduate students in psychology and related areas, provides a guide to key theories and methods used by researchers.
Carefully chosen articles are accompanied by a commentary from the author that, among other things, helps students to understand the rationale for a study, the choice of design and assessment measures, use of statistics and the interpretation of results. A wide range of recent research papers is included to cover observational and experimental methods from infancy to adolescence. The research papers are introduced by two chapters that consider the relationship between theory and methods, explaining how models of development differ from one another and how they can be tested through experimental studies.
This is an unusual and very useful book for our Graduate students, many of whom go on to conduct their own PhD research projects in aspects of developmental psychology. The focus on research methods & techniques and the analysis of key research papers is extremely useful. A unique and highly valuable resource.
A very thorough, detailed and comprehensive text that addresses contempory issues in development psychology, with a specific focus on research methods and design. An essential for all levels and one that allows students to integrate current theory alongside more recent advances in research methodologies.