3.1 Themes and Methods in Developmental Psychology

• The continuity vs. discontinuity theme in developmental psychology explores whether development is a gradual process or occurs in distinct stages
• Critical periods are specific time windows when certain developmental milestones must be achieved
• What is the primary goal of qualitative interviews in developmental research?

  Explore thoughts and experiences
• Qualitative methods complement quantitative approaches by providing contextual data in developmental psychology.


  True
• Biological, environmental, and social influences are studied by developmental psychologists.

  True
• Observational studies involve researchers observing behavior in natural settings
• Qualitative research methods provide deeper insights into human development
• What is the focus of interviews in qualitative research?

  Participants' thoughts
• What is a key advantage of cross-sectional research design?

  Cost-effective and efficient
• Cross-sectional studies provide a snapshot of developmental trends
• Longitudinal studies can establish causal relationships between variables
• Cross-sequential studies are more efficient than pure longitudinal studies.


  True
• One key theme in developmental psychology is continuity vs. discontinuity.
• Arrange the following developmental research methods from least to most time-consuming:

  1️⃣ Cross-sectional studies

  2️⃣ Cross-sequential studies

  3️⃣ Longitudinal studies
• Longitudinal studies track the same individuals over an extended period.
• Developmental psychologists often use a combination of research methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of human development.
• What is a key feature of quantitative research methods in developmental psychology?

  Statistical data
• Cross-sectional studies have a time frame of a single point in time.
• Longitudinal studies can track individual changes over time.
• Longitudinal studies can track individual changes over time.


  True
• Steps in conducting a longitudinal study

  1️⃣ Recruit participants

  2️⃣ Collect baseline data

  3️⃣ Track participants over time

  4️⃣ Analyze changes in variables
• Subject attrition is a common disadvantage of longitudinal studies
• What two research designs are combined in a cross-sequential study?

  Cross-sectional and longitudinal
• Cross-sequential studies are more efficient than pure longitudinal studies.

  True
• Cross-sequential studies track individual changes like longitudinal studies.

  True
• Observational studies record behavior in natural environments
• Ethical considerations in developmental research

  1️⃣ Ensure informed consent

  2️⃣ Maintain confidentiality

  3️⃣ Protect participants from harm

  4️⃣ Handle deception responsibly
• What does the stability vs. change theme address in developmental psychology?

  Consistency of traits over time
• Experimental studies in developmental psychology can establish cause-and-effect relationships but may lack real-world applicability.


  True
• What does the ethnographic method aim to understand in developmental psychology?

  Cultural influences on development
• Match the theme in developmental psychology with its focus:

  Continuity vs. Discontinuity ↔️ Gradual change vs. distinct stages

  Nature vs. Nurture ↔️ Biological vs. environmental factors

  Stability vs. Change ↔️ Consistency of traits over time

  Critical Periods ↔️ Time windows for milestones
• Ethnography involves immersive observations of people in their natural environments
• Developmental psychology examines physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes from conception through old age
• Order the following research methods from least to most control over variables:

  1️⃣ Observational Studies

  2️⃣ Longitudinal Studies

  3️⃣ Cross-Sectional Studies

  4️⃣ Experimental Studies
• What is a primary limitation of observational studies in developmental psychology?

  Lack of variable control
• Combining qualitative and quantitative methods enhances understanding in developmental psychology.


  True
• Experimental studies in developmental psychology can establish cause-and-effect relationships.

  True
• Cross-sectional studies can determine cause-and-effect relationships.

  False
• Longitudinal studies require less time and resources than cross-sectional studies.

  False
• Match the characteristic with the correct research design:

  Extended period ↔️ Longitudinal

  Single point in time ↔️ Cross-sectional