Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
A. Cross-sectional research
B. Longitudinal research
C. Sequential research
D. Other Methods - Neuroimaging Techniques, Experimental and
Observational Studies, Qualitative Research, Mixed Methods
E. Ethical considerations in developmental research
Developmental psychology is a
field of study that seeks to understand human development throughout the
lifespan. The study examines how people develop and change from infancy to old
age. Several research methods are used to understand human development's
complexities.
The cross-sectional design is
a popular research method in developmental psychology. Researchers use this
approach to collect data from participants of various ages at a single point in
time. Developmental trends and changes across the lifespan can be inferred by
comparing the performance or characteristics of these different age groups
(Baltes, Reese, & Nesselroade, 1977).
An example of cross-sectional
study; could look at the memory abilities of 20-year-olds, 40-year-olds, and
60-year-olds to determine how memory changes with age. This research method is
considered useful and efficient. Still, it has limitations like the failure to
determine causal relationships and the potential influence of cohort effects
(i.e., differences due to generational, social, economic, cultural, and
historical factors, among others).
In the longitudinal study,
researchers follow the same group of people for an extended period, collecting
data at multiple points (Schaie, 1965). The study shows how individuals change
over time. An example would be investigating a group of children from preschool
to adolescence, assessing their language abilities at various points along the
way to track their development. This research can be time-consuming, costly,
and prone to participant attrition or loss of participants over time.
Another example of longitudinal study is
the Harvard Study of Adult Development considered one of the
world's longest studies of adult life that have followed hundreds of men's
lives for nearly 80 years (Mineo, 2017). The study examined various factors
that contribute to healthy aging and happiness. According to the study, good
relationships, healthy habits such as not smoking or drinking excessively, and
strong social support are important factors for healthy aging.
Image source - https://www.questionpro.com/blog/cross-sectional-study-vs-longitudinal-study/
By following multiple cohorts
of participants over time, sequential research combines the strengths of
cross-sectional and longitudinal designs (Baltes, Reese, & Nesselroade,
1977). Sequential methods can help inform age-related changes from cohort
effects and improve understanding of developmental processes by comparing the
developmental trajectories of different age groups.
A sequential study, for
example, may follow three groups of children (aged 5, 7, and 9) for five years,
assessing their reading skills at various points. This design enables
researchers to investigate age-related changes in reading skills while
considering potential cohort effects. Sequential research can be complex and
resource-intensive, limiting its feasibility.
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The use of neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic
resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) allows
researchers to investigate the neural basis of developmental processes (Casey
et al., 2019). Developmental psychologists can investigate how cognitive,
social, and emotional functions are represented in the brain and how they
change over time by noninvasively measuring brain activity.An fMRI study, for
example, could look into how the brain's reward system develops during
adolescence, providing insights into risk-taking behaviors and decision-making
processes (Casey et al., 2019. These neuroimaging techniques have provided new
insights into the complex relationship between brain development and behavior.
Developmental psychologists investigate various aspects of human
development using a combination of experimental and observational studies.
Observational studies involve observing and recording behaviors or
characteristics without intervention. In contrast, experimental studies involve
manipulating variables to determine their effects on participants (Shaffer &
Kipp, 2013).
A developmental psychologist, for example, investigates the effects of
various teaching strategies on children's learning outcomes. On the other hand,
an observational study might look at how children's play behaviors change as
they interact with their peers in a natural setting.
While quantitative research methods are frequently used in
developmental psychology, qualitative methods are becoming more popular
and utilized greatly in expanding our understanding of human development. For
example, interviews, focus groups, and ethnography provide rich, detailed
insights into people's experiences, perceptions, and cultural contexts (Denzin
& Lincoln, 2000). For example, the study might involve interviewing parents
about their experiences raising children on the autism spectrum or conducting
an ethnographic study of a community to learn about the "coming of
age" cultural factors and traditions on adolescent development.
Mixed-methods research combines quantitative and qualitative
data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of human development.
Researchers can better understand the complex processes and mechanisms that
underpin human growth and change by combining the strengths of both approaches.
Ethics
Being vigilant regarding ethical considerations when conducting
developmental psychology research is important. Researchers must ensure their
studies are designed to minimize risks and protect participants' well-being,
especially when working with vulnerable populations such as children or older
people (Sieber, 1992). Obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality,
and using age-appropriate procedures and assessments are all examples of what
this entails.
The
Psychological Association of the Philippines Committee on Ethics and
Professional Standards (2022) issued the "CODE OF ETHICS FOR
PHILIPPINE PSYCHOLOGISTS AND PSYCHOMETRICIANS." The code of ethics
establishes the ethical principles and standards that Filipino psychologists
and psychometricians must adhere to in their professional practice.
Confidentiality, informed consent, competence, and professional conduct are all
covered in the code. It also includes guidelines for research and evaluation
practices. The code emphasizes the importance of upholding ethical standards to
protect clients' and the public's welfare.
References
Baltes, P. B., Reese, H. W., & Nesselroade, J. R.
(1977). Life-span developmental psychology: Introduction to research methods.
Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Casey, B. J., Galván, A., & Somerville, L. H. (2019).
Beyond simple models of adolescence to an integrated circuit-based account: A
commentary. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 39, 100681.
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (Eds.). (2000). Handbook
of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Mineo, L. (2017, April 11). Harvard study, almost 80 years
old, has proved that embracing community helps us live longer, and be happier.
Harvard Gazette.
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/
Psychological Association of the Philippines Committee on
Ethics and Professional Standards. (2022). Code of ethics for Philippine
psychologists and psychometricians. Retrieved from
https://www.pap.org.ph/code-of-ethics-for-philippine-psychologists-and-psychometricians/
Schaie, K W. (1965). A general model for the study of
developmental problems. Psychological Bulletin, 64(2), 92-107.
Shaffer, D. R., & Kipp, K. (2013). Developmental
psychology: Childhood and adolescence. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Sieber, J. E. (1992). Planning ethically responsible
research: A guide for students and internal review boards. Newbury Park, CA:
Sage Publications.
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https://www.questionpro.com/blog/cross-sectional-study-vs-longitudinal-study/
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-lifespandevelopment/chapter/developmental-research-designs/
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