Developmental psychology is all about how people grow and change throughout their lives. Scientists use different ways to collect information and learn about these changes. Here are some of the main research methods they use:
Longitudinal Studies: This type of study follows the same group of people over a long time, sometimes for years or even decades. For instance, the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study followed 1,037 people born in 1972-1973 in Dunedin, New Zealand. It looked at how their behavior and health changed as they grew up.
Cross-Sectional Studies: In this method, researchers look at different age groups all at once. They might find that brain skills are at their best in young adults but get worse as people get older. For example, around 15% of people over 65 start to have some serious memory problems.
Survey Research: Surveys are a quick way to gather a lot of information from many people. One study showed that about 70% of teenagers feel stressed about doing well in school. This highlights a common challenge in growing up.
Experiments: Controlled experiments, like those studying how babies form attachments to their parents, often provide solid numbers. For example, research found that about 60% of babies form strong attachments, which helps them handle their feelings better as they grow.
Observational Studies: In this method, researchers watch people in natural situations. For example, looking at how children play with each other can give clues about how they develop socially and form friendships.
Each of these methods gives important details about how humans develop throughout their lives.
Developmental psychology is all about how people grow and change throughout their lives. Scientists use different ways to collect information and learn about these changes. Here are some of the main research methods they use:
Longitudinal Studies: This type of study follows the same group of people over a long time, sometimes for years or even decades. For instance, the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study followed 1,037 people born in 1972-1973 in Dunedin, New Zealand. It looked at how their behavior and health changed as they grew up.
Cross-Sectional Studies: In this method, researchers look at different age groups all at once. They might find that brain skills are at their best in young adults but get worse as people get older. For example, around 15% of people over 65 start to have some serious memory problems.
Survey Research: Surveys are a quick way to gather a lot of information from many people. One study showed that about 70% of teenagers feel stressed about doing well in school. This highlights a common challenge in growing up.
Experiments: Controlled experiments, like those studying how babies form attachments to their parents, often provide solid numbers. For example, research found that about 60% of babies form strong attachments, which helps them handle their feelings better as they grow.
Observational Studies: In this method, researchers watch people in natural situations. For example, looking at how children play with each other can give clues about how they develop socially and form friendships.
Each of these methods gives important details about how humans develop throughout their lives.