1. Chapter 2: Research in Child Development
2.1 Doing Child-Development Research
2.2 Child-Development Research and Family Policy
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2. 2.1 Doing Child Development Research
Measurement in Child-Development Research
General Designs for Research
Designs for Studying Development
Communicating Research Results
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3. Measurement in Child-Development Research
Systematic Observation: naturalistic observation and structured observation
Sampling behaviour with tasks
Self reports include questionnaires and interviews
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4. Measurement in Child-Development Research
Measures should be both valid and reliable
Samples of children who participate in research should be representative of the population of interest
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5. 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
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6. Three Interpretations of a Correlation Coefficient
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7. General Designs for Research
Experiments involve manipulating key factors that an investigator thinks are important
The manipulated factor is the independent variable; the behaviour measured is the dependent variable
In field experiments, the researcher manipulates independent variables in a natural setting
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8. Designs for Studying Development
Longitudinal study: the same individuals are tested repeatedly
Microgenetic stu8dy: children are tested repeatedly over a span of days or weeks
Cross-sectional study: children of different ages are tested
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9. Comparison of Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Studies
Longitudinal Design
Cross-Sectional Design
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10. Ethical Responsibilities
Minimize risks to research participants
Describe the research to potential participants
Avoid deceiving the participants
Keep results anonymous or confidential
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11. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
Published the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists
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12. Principles of the Canadian Code of Ethics For Psychologists
Respect for the dignity of persons
Responsible caring
Integrity in relationships
Responsibility to society
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13. Communicating Research Results
Research results are reported in scientific journals
Results of individual studies will be reported in the Focus on Research features
Converging evidence from many studies is necessary
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14. 2.2 Child Development Research and Family Policy
Background
Ways to Influence Social Policy
An Emphasis on Policy Implications Improves Research
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15. Copyright © 2005 Pearson Education Canada Inc.
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
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16. Ways to Influence Social Policy
Build understanding of children’s development
Be advocates for children
Evaluate policies and programs
Develop a model program
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17. 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
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