Research Methods in Developmental Psychology Flashcards
Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
1 - rapid developmental transitions
2- lack of data integration that come from different sources and methods
3 - difficulty determining the level of impairment and functioning
rapid developmental transitions
Many behaviors that are clinically relevant in older children may be normal in younger children.
For example, temper tantrums in toddlers may reflect their emerging sense of self but may cause parents concern in older children.
lack of data integration that come from differnt sources and methods
Who provides information about the child?
What method of assessment have they employed?
What time frame have they used?
Carter et al., 2004
difficulty determining the level of impairment and functioning.
Does the child’s behavior have any impact on the family?
Aspects of child functioning.
Adoption to situational demands.
Development of new skills.
Relationships.
Physical health
Research approaches assessing socioemotional problems in children.
methods/ resources
Multiple methods.
Questionnaires, interviews, behavioral assessments.
Multiple resources
Children, parents, teachers, peers, observers.
What factors affect children’s accurate responding?
Age.
Interviewing techniques.
Response formats.
Phrasing or complexity of questions.
Actual information versus abstract concepts.
observations of parent child interactions - what does the researcher have to decide about?
Presence of observer.
Type of task.
Location of observations.
advantages of observational methods
Researcher defines and chooses target behaviors.
Can look at microscopic process is an mechanisms.
Have data on rates and frequencies.
disadvantages of observational methods
observations are expensive.
Time consuming.
Require extensive training.
