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.
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).
Ethics
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.
Image source
https://www.questionpro.com/blog/cross-sectional-study-vs-longitudinal-study/
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-lifespandevelopment/chapter/developmental-research-designs/
