Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary goals of developmental scientists?

  • To predict adult behavior based on childhood experiences
  • To manipulate child behavior for experimental purposes
  • To understand how infants grow and change with age (correct)
  • To create toys that enhance child development

    • Which challenge is commonly faced when conducting research with infants and children?

  • Infants cannot be easily instructed to follow tasks (correct)
  • Children often lie during research interviews
  • Infants have a wide range of language skills
  • Data from adults is typically easier to analyze

    • What characterizes the cognitive abilities of young children compared to older children and adults?

  • Young children understand search patterns better than adults
  • Young children exhibit adult-like problem-solving skills
  • Young children display a lack of cognitive sophistication (correct)
  • Young children have advanced strategic thinking

    • How do children's games contribute to developmental research?

    <p>They offer a controlled environment for behavioral observations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of research designs is important to consider in developmental psychology?

    <p>Their strengths and limitations in studying age-related changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might future generations of developmental scientists find the field interesting?

    <p>Because the field presents endless mysteries about growth and cognition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a unique aspect of studying infants and children in developmental psychology?

    <p>Their cognitive development occurs rapidly and varies significantly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be inferred about the research methods used in developmental psychology?

    <p>They are tailored to the specific capabilities of the participants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common challenge researchers face when studying very young infants?

    <p>Infants have limited motor control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes involuntary or obligatory responses in infants?

    <p>Behaviors that occur without conscious thought.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main goal of habituation procedures in infant research?

    <p>To assess infants' reactions to novel stimuli.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phenomenon of dishabituation signify in infant studies?

    <p>Infants' interest returns when exposed to new stimuli.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Baillargeon's study on object permanence, what did the impossible scenario demonstrate?

    <p>Two solid objects cannot occupy the same space simultaneously.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of research technique is used to assess beliefs and perceptions in older children?

    <p>Surveys and questionnaires.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of studying infants' eye movements?

    <p>It provides insight into their understanding of the world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research design is primarily used to observe age-related changes in infants?

    <p>Longitudinal studies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do researchers use psychophysiological responses in infant research?

    <p>To measure emotional and physiological reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of infant responsiveness does the concept of object permanence relate to?

    <p>Understanding that objects continue to exist even when not visible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which response pattern is most commonly observed in infants when they hear their mother's voice?

    <p>Increase in heart rate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a method used for studying infants and children?

    <p>Voluntary response assessments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the solidity principle refer to in developmental psychology research?

    <p>The concept that two solid objects cannot occupy the same space.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the N170 peak indicate in brainwave recordings?

    <p>Activity related to facial recognition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the prN170 peak differ in children with autism compared to typically developing children when presented with faces?

    <p>It is lower for faces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of data do developmental psychologists frequently collect from parents?

    <p>Behavioral observations of the child</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) aim to identify?

    <p>Child strengths and behavioral problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect of maternal stress during pregnancy was identified in a study using the CBCL-Preschool questionnaire?

    <p>Increased attention deficit/hyperactivity problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is common about the responses of typically developing children when they see faces versus objects?

    <p>The negative peak reaches quicker for faces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method do researchers use to collect children's thoughts and beliefs about moral dilemmas?

    <p>Verbal report paradigms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the latency of the response refer to in the context of brainwave recordings?

    <p>The time taken to reach the peak of the waveform</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a verbal report paradigm?

    <p>Child responses to moral scenarios</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of typically developing children was measured regarding the prN170 peak?

    <p>Amplitude does not differ for faces and objects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do researchers collect parent-report data?

    <p>To gain insights into child development from those closest to them</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is commonly examined alongside behavioral data in developmental research?

    <p>Psychophysiological data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are findings related to children with autism's processing of faces different from those of typically developing children?

    <p>Autistic children take longer to process faces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of peaks do researchers specifically look for in brainwave studies related to face and object processing?

    <p>Negative peaks and their latency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the elicited imitation procedure in studying infants?

    <p>To study recall memory through observed behaviors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what age do infants remember one step of a three-step event sequence for 24 hours?

    <p>6 months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes voluntary responses?

    <p>Behaviors that a person completes by choice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which measurement technique helps researchers understand the relationship between brain development and behavior?

    <p>Event-related potentials (ERPs)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can influence how researchers study recall memory in infants?

    <p>Infants' ability to communicate verbally</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which age group of infants shows the ability to remember individual steps of a two-step event sequence for one month?

    <p>9 months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT a measure typically collected in psychophysiological studies regarding infants?

    <p>Blood pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sequence of actions is part of the two-step event called 'Find the Surprise'?

    <p>Flipping a latch and revealing a hidden figure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do researchers typically assess recall memory in children and infants?

    <p>Through behavioral observation and imitation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of infant behavior is studied more effectively as they age?

    <p>Understanding of object permanence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When are infants likely to remember the individual steps and the temporal order of four-step events for at least 12 months?

    <p>20 months old</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common method for studying infants' reactions to stimuli?

    <p>Observation during free play</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What behavior did the woman in the example demonstrate to illustrate voluntary responses?

    <p>Putting tomatoes into a shopping bag</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of data is typically combined with behavioral data to understand the interactions between biology and behavior?

    <p>Psychophysiological data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a recommended strategy for researchers conducting studies with infants and young children?

    <p>Break up large studies into multiple short sessions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are infants and young children less likely to participate in research for reasons such as money or course credit?

    <p>They do not understand research incentives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact does providing breaks during research sessions have on the data collected?

    <p>It helps ensure the participants are happy and comfortable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor should researchers consider when designing studies involving children's behavior?

    <p>The attentional span and potential tiredness of participants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following research questions would not be appropriate for developmental scientists to investigate?

    <p>What social skills do introverted adults develop later in life?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are infants and young children considered more vulnerable participants in research?

    <p>They have a limited understanding of research processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is typically used to obtain consent for research involving infants and young children?

    <p>Informed consent from a parent or guardian.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common method researchers use to recruit infants and young children?

    <p>Obtaining state birth records.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major ethical consideration in research involving infants and young children?

    <p>The emotional state of the child must be monitored during research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do high attrition rates in studies involving infants and young children typically occur?

    <p>The complexity of tasks requiring prolonged attention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what scenario might researchers choose to use a recruitment agency?

    <p>When traditional recruitment methods are ineffective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the informed consent process for participants who are parents of child participants?

    <p>Parents are informed of procedures, risks, and benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is essential for developmental scientists when designing studies for minors?

    <p>The rights and well-being of child participants must be prioritized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might researchers choose to post recruitment advertisements in public places?

    <p>To reach a broad audience of potential young participants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what age can children begin to provide assent for participation in research?

    <p>Age 7</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of methods do researchers often use to communicate with potential participants?

    <p>Letters and phone calls based on birth records.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common reason for the higher attrition rates in studies involving infants?

    <p>The tasks can be physically uncomfortable for infants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do researchers often need special accommodations for child participants?

    <p>Children cannot understand or consent to the research process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an ethical requirement related to research involving minors?

    <p>Researchers must ensure only minimal risk is involved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary limitation of cross-sectional research designs?

    <p>They can only show age-related change, not development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do sequential research designs differ from cross-sectional designs?

    <p>They combine elements of both longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage do sequential research designs have over longitudinal designs?

    <p>They take less time and effort.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a sequential design allow researchers to examine that cross-sectional design does not?

    <p>Changes in the same individuals over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may be a drawback of sequential research designs regarding data collection?

    <p>They can lead to high participant attrition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of longitudinal research designs?

    <p>Studying change over time within the same individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key factor distinguishes cohort effects in research?

    <p>Variations in cultural and historical context affecting results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research design might show that 6-year-olds are better hiders than 2-year-olds, but cannot conclude about developmental progress?

    <p>Cross-sectional research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes cohort effects in longitudinal research?

    <p>Differences attributed to historical context when participants are assessed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason researchers might choose a cross-sectional design?

    <p>To investigate development across ages quickly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a drawback of longitudinal studies related to participant retention?

    <p>Attrition where participants drop out of the study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do cross-sectional research designs differ from longitudinal designs?

    <p>They assess participants of various ages at the same time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In sequential research, how is data across groups gathered at different times significant?

    <p>It allows comparisons to be made across time periods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does an example of longitudinal design provide that cross-sectional designs do not?

    <p>An observation of changes in individuals as they grow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unexpected improvement might occur in longitudinal studies due to practice effects?

    <p>Participants improve merely due to repetitive exposure to the same tasks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could potentially complicate research when working with infants and children?

    <p>Short attention spans and ethical considerations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of information do researchers typically collect through verbal reports?

    <p>Subjective experiences of children regarding the world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research design is best suited for analyzing changes in behavior over time within the same subjects?

    <p>Longitudinal research design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of practice effects in research design?

    <p>They can lead to improved performance over repeated tasks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of changes does cross-sectional research primarily examine?

    <p>Comparisons of different individuals at different ages</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might researchers opt for sequential research designs over other methods?

    <p>To enrich understanding of age development and trends.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the reason why practice effects may still occur in sequential designs?

    <p>Children may be exposed to similar tasks over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which limitation involves the cost and time commitment of maintaining participant interactions in a study?

    <p>Funding barriers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a longitudinal study exploring the development of hiders in hide-and-seek, what age range is being compared?

    <p>2 to 6 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common occurrence in longitudinal research that poses a risk to data integrity?

    <p>Participant dropout rates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best illustrates a practice effect?

    <p>Enhancing skills merely by repeated exposure to the same task</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What insight can be gained through studying games like hide-and-seek over time?

    <p>Games give clues about cognitive and emotional development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of research, what primarily distinguishes qualitative research designs?

    <p>Emphasis on understanding participant perspectives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Research Methods in Developmental Psychology

    • Developmental scientists study how infants and children know the world and how they change with age.
    • Developmental research informs parenting, education, and policy.
    • Research methods must be tailored to infants and children's abilities.
    • Research methods are categorized as follows: involuntary/obligatory, voluntary, and psychophysiological responses, and surveys/questionnaires.

    Involuntary/Obligatory Responses

    • Infants have limited motor control, necessitating methods assessing involuntary responses.
    • Habituation is a method where infants are repeatedly presented with a stimulus until they lose interest. Dishabituation is the renewed interest in a novel stimulus.
    • Infants typically look longer at novel stimuli, making habituation a useful technique.
    • Object permanence, the understanding that objects exist even when unseen, was investigated using a violation-of-expectation paradigm.
    • Infants were shown possible and impossible scenarios involving an opaque screen and box, revealing early understanding of object permanence.

    Voluntary Responses

    • As infant/child age increases, researchers can study voluntary responses.
    • Voluntary responses are actions under one's control, such as toy choices during play.
    • Recall memory, memory of past events, is studied through elicited imitation in infants and children.
    • Elicited imitation involves infants playing with novel toys and then having their recall of the events in the toys assessed.
    • Infants' recall memory develops with age; 6-month-olds can recall one step and 20-month-olds 4.

    Psychophysiological Responses

    • Psychophysiological data (heart rate, hormone levels, brain activity) helps understand the link between biology and behavior.
    • Event-related potentials (ERPs) record brain activity in response to stimuli. This involves electrode caps.
    • ERPs are amplified to reveal squiggly lines with peaks and valleys.
    • The N170 peak in ERPs is sensitive to faces, as it is more negative when participants see faces compared to objects.
    • Studies using ERPs have examined face and object processing differences in children with autism spectrum disorders.

    Parent-Report Questionnaires

    • Parents provide information to answer research questions.
    • The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is a parent-report questionnaire assessing child strengths, behavior problems, disabilities, etc.
    • Studies using the CBCL have examined maternal stress during pregnancy and its relationship to later child behavior issues.

    Interview Techniques

    • Older children and adults can verbalize thoughts/beliefs.
    • Researchers present moral dilemmas (e.g., "Mr. Kohut's wife") and ask for perspectives.
    • Interview data provides insights into children's experiences.

    Research Designs

    • Research design is the strategy for collecting and analyzing data.
    • Two main comparisons in developmental research include change within individuals and change between groups.
    • Longitudinal designs track the same individuals over time (measuring change within).
    • Cross-sectional designs compare different age groups at the same time (measuring differences between)
    • Sequential designs combine both longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches.

    Challenges in Developmental Research

    • Ethical concerns: IRBs review research proposals, protecting the vulnerable. Infants require parental consent.
    • Recruitment: Obtaining infant/child participants can be complex and costly.
    • Attrition: Participants dropping out of longitudinal studies is a common concern.

    Conclusions

    • Developmental research necessitates careful method selection, appropriate design, and awareness of unique challenges.
    • The field continues to explore many developmental aspects.

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    Description

    Explore the various research methods used in studying developmental psychology, focusing on how infants and children perceive and respond to the world around them. This quiz covers key concepts such as habituation, dishabituation, and object permanence, demonstrating the importance of tailored methods for assessing developmental changes.

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