Psychology (Punch - Cognitive Development)

Question 1

Punch (2002) Aim

Answer 1

To investigate whether research with children was the same as adults.

Question 2

What were the 5 task-based methods she used?

Answer 2

Drawing 
Photographs
diaries 
PRA - participatory rural appraisal
Worksheets (which included spider diagrams and tables)

Question 3

Punch Strengths

Answer 3

Punch (2002) used an ethnographic approach to gather qualitative
data by observing and interacting with the young people from Bolivia
in their classroom settings. Punch’s (2002) use of ethnographic research through observation and interaction in the classroom setting aids our understanding in developmental psychology of youth development in rural Bolivia.

Punch (2002) lived with a family and stayed in the community she
was studying for extended periods of time. Punch’s (2002) research took an emic approach which allowed her to get closer to the culture and lifestyle of the children increasing our understanding of how they developed.

The study explores how young people negotiate constraints over
their choices, including their rural location, parental attitudes, family
background and role models. The study shows transitions are underpinned by a number of factors which highlights the importance of holistic research in developmental psychology.

Question 4

Punch Negatives

Answer 4

The study used five specially designed task-based methods to collect
qualitative data in her classroom based research with children in
Bolivia, for example, drawings, photographs, PRA (participatory rural
appraisal) techniques, diaries and worksheets. The data collected in the study for example the PRA takes an emic approach to research which can be culturally biased and so the findings may not improve our understanding for all cultures in developmental psychology.