Chapter 2: Research in Child Development

2.1 Doing Child-Development Research

2.2 Child-Development Research and Family Policy

2.1 Doing Child Development ResearchMeasurement in Child-Development Research

General Designs for Research

Designs for Studying Development

Measurement in Child-Development Research

Systematic Observation: naturalistic observation and structured observation

Sampling behavior with tasks

Self reports include questionnaires and interviews

2.1 Doing Child-Development Research

Measurement in Child-Development Research

Measures should be both valid and reliableSamples of children who participate in research should be representative of the population of interest

2.1 Doing Child-Development Research

General Designs for Research

Correlational studies look at relations as they exist in the real world

These real-world relations are expressed as a correlation coefficient, r, that ranges from -1 to 1

2.1 Doing Developmental Research

Three Interpretations of a Correlation Coefficient

General Designs for Research

Experiments involve manipulating key factors that an investigator thinks are importantThe manipulated factor is the independent variable; the behavior measured is the dependent variableIn field experiments, the researcher manipulates independent variables in a natural setting

2.1 Doing Developmental Research

Example of an Experiment

Designs for Studying Development

Longitudinal study: the same individuals are tested repeatedly Microgenetic study: children are tested repeatedly over a span of days or weeksCross-sectional study: children of different ages are tested

2.1 Doing Developmental Research

Comparison of Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Studies

Longitudinal Design Cross-Sectional Design

Ethical Responsibilities

Minimize risks to research participantsDescribe the research to potential participantsAvoid deceiving the participantsKeep results anonymous or confidential

2.1 Doing Child-Development Research

Communicating Research Results

Research results are reported in scientific journalsResults of individual studies will be reported in the Focus on Research featuresConverging evidence from many studies is necessary

2.1 Doing Child-Development Research

2.2 Child Development Research and Family Policy

Background

Ways to Influence Social Policy

An Emphasis on Policy Implications Improves Research

Background

Results of child-development research can improve children’s lives Research can help changing families decide what is best for their children Research can help children who face hurdles to healthy development

2.2 Child-Development Research and Family Policy

Ways to Influence Social Policy

Build understanding of children’s development

Be advocates for children

Evaluate policies and programs

Develop a model program

2.2 Child-Development Research and Family Policy

An Emphasis on Policy Implications Improves Research

Focusing on policy implications leads to improved theory and research

Concern with family policy has improved research methods

2.2 Child-Development Research and Family Policy