Chapter 1 Issues and Themes in Child Development

Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018. Learning Questions Who needs to have a good understanding of child development? And why? What are the domains of child development and some recurring themes and issues in the field? What are the contexts for child development? How can you be a smart consumer of information about development? Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Why Study Child Development? Understanding the process of development The experiences that we have in childhood shape who we become as adults * Example: Terman’s (1921) study of gifted children Link 1: Harvard Education’s “The Science of Early Childhood Development” video discusses the importance of development in early childhood and its association with later development Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Why Study Child Development? Later experiences are important too. Early experiences are like the foundation of a house. Later experiences are like the walls, roof, and electric connections (Nelson, 1999).* Example: Early secure attachment predicts later romantic relationships, but so do relationships with peers later in life.* Link 1: Brief clip featuring Charles Nelson and others discussing the early brain development and childhood adversity Link 2: Clip discussing association attachment theory and its association with long-term relationship patterns Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Why Study Child Development? Using our knowledge of child development Our knowledge can be used to improve the lives of children and adolescents and to foster positive development Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Why Study Child Development? Parents and families use information to understand and interact with their children. Child Development Professionals (for example: teachers, psychologists*, speech and language therapists, social workers, early intervention*)* use general information, but also specialized information to work with children to promote growth and well-being. Link 1: Youtube clip discussing the work of clinical psychologists Link 2: Video overview of Early Intervention services Link 3: Link to Bureau of Labor Statistics to show career outlook and related information for various careers in child development Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Why Study Child Development? Policymakers (government, organizations and citizens)* * Social policy affects large numbers of children (Examples: parental leave policies; WIC program*) Link 1: Link to the Anne E. Casey Foundation and Kids Count reports Link 2: Link to SRCD’s policy page Link 3: Clip describing WIC program Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Understanding How Development Happens Domains of development Physical development: the body and the brain Cognitive development: thinking, understanding and reasoning Social-emotional development: connecting to others and understanding feelings Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Understanding How Development Happens Ages and stages Infancy (the first year of life) Toddlerhood (ages 1-3) Early Childhood (ages 3-6) Middle Childhood (ages 6-12) Adolescence (ages 12-18) Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Issues in the Study of Development Nature and nurture Continuous vs. stage-like development Stability vs. change Individual differences Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Figure 1.1: Patterns of Stability and Change This photo demonstrates continuous change in the children’s heights, but also an aspect of stage-like development in the shift to the last 3 children who appear to be post-pubescent. Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Change This photo demonstrates continuous change in the children’s heights, but also an aspect of stage-like development in the shift to the last 3 children who appear to be post-pubescent. Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Issues in the Study of Development The role of the child Positive psychology* Integrating themes and issues Link 1: Brief clip of Martin Seligman discussing positive psychology and parenting Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Issues in the Study of Development Equifinality vs. Multifinality Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Contexts of Development Context is a broad term that includes all the settings in which development occurs. Children develop in multiple contexts. Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Contexts of Development Families Families are responsible for the socialization of children. Some families have more resources than others (socioeconomic status). Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Contexts of Development Schools In many countries, schools are another important context for development. Examples: academic skills; civic socialization Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Contexts of Development Community Characteristics of the community in which children live impact many aspects of development. Examples: quality of schools; neighborhood safety Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Contexts of Development Culture Research shows some similarities in children’s development across cultures but also important differences between cultures. Example: individualism vs. collectivism Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Being a Smart Consumer of Information about Development Knowing your sources* Becoming a critical thinker Guarding against generalizations Link 1: Clip describing how to identify credible sources for research Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.

Being a Smart Consumer of Information about Development Avoiding perceptual bias Getting the most from your textbook Levine, Child Development 3e. SAGE Publishing, 2018.