Defining Development

Learning Outcomes Define the study of human development List the steps usually involved in the scientific method. Describe the two major research methods used by developmental researchers. Identify ethical issues that arise in human development research. Due next week: Application Assignment 1- Timeline of Germinal Events Quiz 1

What is development? Development Nature versus Nurture Define Questions Critical and sensitive periods Continuous Change versus Discontinuous Change Lifespan perspective Domains Stages

Continuous vs. Discontinuous Change It’s as easy as riding a bike! Describe the act of bike riding from a continuous versus a discontinuous perspective. Age Continuous Discontinuous 3 11 36 © 2009 Allyn & Bacon Publishers

Continuous vs. Discontinuous Change Just in case it is still puzzling…. Describe putting a puzzle together from a continuous and discontinuous perspective: Age Continuous Discontinuous 3 11 36

Lifespan Perspective Multidirectional Multicontextual Multicultural Multidisciplinary Plastic

Domains and Stages of Development Biosocial Cognitive Psychosocial Stages: Infancy/Toddler Early Childhood Middle Childhood Adolescence Adulthood Late Adulthood

How do we know what we know? Scientific Method A systematic means for answering scientific questions Set of rules for gathering and analyzing information Steps in the Scientific Method (5) Quantitative versus Qualitative Two Major types of studies: Experiments Correlation Studies

Scientific Method Five basic steps of the scientific method: Question. Develop a hypothesis Test Draw conclusions. Report the results.

Testing: Using the Scientific Method Research Methods Quantitative Methods- generalize to a population 1. Experimental Variables: independent variable- dependent variable- Groups 2. Correlation Qualitative Methods- generalize to a process/experience Involves interview and observational data

The Experiment Professor W noticed her students struggling with understanding the steps of the scientific method. She wanted to create a sensational demonstration for her students to help them learn. Her question: Does a demonstration using visual aids make a greater impact in learning? Variables? IV/DV

The Experiment QUESTION: Does a demonstration in using color make a more sensational demonstration than a demo with no color? HYPOTHESIS: TEST: Experiment The Variables (identify which variable is IV/DV): DRAW CONCLUSION

Correlational Studies Studies relationship between two or more variables No control of variables, determines relationship only Surveys, questionnaires, and interviews Types Correlation and causation

Correlation Coefficients Number indicates strength of relationship -1.00 to +1.00 Stronger correlations indicate greater relationship (away from 0); closer to 0 the weaker the relationship Positive sign As one variable increases the other increases Negative sign As one variable increases other decreases; inverse relationship

Figure 1.7  Correlation Correlation, a research method used for prediction, shows how two variables are related.

Ethics Each academic discipline and professional society involved in the study of human development has a code of ethics. Researchers must ensure that participation is voluntary, confidential, and harmless. Subjects (participants in research) must give informed consent- they must understand the research procedures and any risks involved.

Ethics, cont. Milgram Experiment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3adPFpm1p0&feature=fvsr © 2009 Allyn & Bacon Publishers

Turn and Talk Think about the deception of participants in the eacher-learner "shock" experiments.  How do you weigh the deception against the claim that the experiments couldn't have been done if participants knew their real purposes?  Think of the apparent harm done to participants (stress, anxiety, hostility, etc.).  How do you balance this harm against the knowledge obtained from the studies? © 2009 Allyn & Bacon Publishers

Wrap Up Turn in folders Due next week: Application Assignment 1- Timeline of Germinal Events Quiz 1