The Role of Methodology in Developmental Research

The Role of Methodology in Developmental Research

Developmental psychology may be defined as a branch psychology devoted

to understanding all changes that human beings, experience throughout

the lifespan (Berk. E. L 2003). Developmental psychology focuses

hugely on development in childhood, as major changes occur in

childhood, it is the scientific study of ‘how we grow and develop’,

(Davenport 1994). Developmental psychology aims to understand the

important aspects of cognition, socialisation, emotional development,

and personality development through childhood to adulthood.

‘Researchers are captivated by and want to understand the fascinating,

complex, and often surprising arrays of behaviours children display.’

(Bukatko and Daehler 2004).

It can be argued that methodology plays a significant role in

developmental psychology. Psychologists argue the importance of

methodology in developmental psychology; Bukatko and Daehler (2004),

claim that ‘collecting data about children is essential, and a

rewarding aspect of scientific developmental psychology, and being

well grounded in research technique is important’.

Thompson, (1996, p. 69) quotes; ‘To me research is discovery: an

odyssey of surprises, confirmations, and unexpected twists and turns

that contribute to the excitement of research career…The excitement of

a research career is that the story told by the data is always more

interesting and provocative than even the most thoughtful theories

allow, and this means that the scientist must be instructed by the

lessons revealed by unexpected research findings- while maintaining

humility about her or his capacity to predict ...

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...which all researchers must be familiar with, apply to all

adults in participation of research.

Critical analysis of the common methodology widely used within

developmental research, provides profound findings in developmental

psychology. The wide scope of interest in human behaviour and

patterns of change requires the necessity of research through such

methodological techniques. Every method focuses on a particular aspect

of developmental psychology, and is selected accordingly by

researchers. Much emphasise is placed on the use of methodology in

developmental psychology, and its critical essentiality.

References

An introduction to child development, 2nd ed G.C.Davenport. (1994)

Child Development, 6th ed, Laura E. Berk (2003)

Child Development, A Thematic Approach, 5th ed, Bukatko and Daehler.

(2004)