Child study is a very complex field. Human beings, and children, specifically, are very complex beings. Consequently, simple answers and solutions to problems are very often just that: too simple. This text presents principles and methods for studying children in the varied contexts in which they live and function. These theories and methods can be used as a kind of "tool kit" for application in a variety of situations by the people who work with children such as researchers, parents, educators, pediatricians, nurses, social workers, and child psychologists, to name but a few. In short, the book is written for people interested in how to examine and describe children as well as those interested in creating educational environments for children.

Anthony D. Pellegrini, David F. Bjorklund

Contents: Applied Child Study: An Introduction. What Is Developmental? Behavior in Context. Tests and Performance-Based Assessment. Experimental Methods. Observational Methods. Naturalistic Inquiry: Ethology and Interpretive Methods. Children's Learning, Thinking and Remembering. Language Development. Social Competence. Children's Play.