2nd Edition
Understanding Child Development Psychological Perspectives and Applications
Understanding Child Development introduces the main areas of developmental psychology in childhood. Drawing on content which first appeared in ‘Understanding Child Development’, published in 1986, the book includes new bases of evidence and offers an interdisciplinary approach to the subject.
Following a thematic approach, this book draws together strands of knowledge from psychology, neuroscience, and medical, social and cognitive sciences. It covers both classic and contemporary theories and research, while also examining child development in real-world settings. Chapters explore conceptual issues, key developmental theories, and research methodology, while developing practical ways of making children’s lives better. These discussions are presented in a refreshing tone giving the reader an insight into the broad area of developmental psychology and its applications.
Written in an engaging and accessible style, Understanding Child Development is essential reading for students on introductory courses in developmental psychology. It also offers valuable reading for those on related courses in education, health and social work.
Preface; 1. Introducing the Study of Child Development 2. Biological Bases of Child Development: evolution and genes 3. Biological Bases of Child Development: Brain Development 4. Big Developmental theories: Piaget, information-processing, Vygotsky 5. The Development of Cognitive Skills 6. Language Development 7. Cognition and Education 8. Personality, emotion regulation and an introduction to developmental Psychopathology 9. Social Relationships and the Family 10. Peers and the Child as Social Person; Play
Biography
Sara Meadows is Senior Lecturer in Education at the Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, UK
'Understanding Child Development: Psychological Perspectives and Application’s new edition reintroduces different theorists including Bronfenbrenner, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Kohlberg. It calls on different cross sectional and longitudinal designs in child development research to help engage its readers in interpreting different theories. Some of the themes it explores include the debate on whether children’s development is the result of biological, individual, or community influences; and whether children’s personality, behaviour, attitudes, academic achievement, etc. are long lasting. Not only that but the book also investigates how cognitive, language, personality, and emotions are developed and the various catalysts that could influence their development. Sara Meadow’s book is a well written, easy to comprehend textbook that would appeal to Early Years, Childhood and Youth, and Education Studies college and university students alike. It provides its readers with ample supplementary references to consult.' - Dr Ihsan Caillau-Foster, University of Derby, UK
