Chapter 3 - Methods for studying development. This chapter includes contents: Links between theories and methods, theories may have different basic assumptions, scientific method, research methods used in developmental studies,.and other contents. | Chapter 3 Methods for studying development Links between theories and methods Theoretical frameworks are like lenses: each one giving a different perspective on the world each one with its unique interpretations. Theories may have different basic assumptions Ontology refers to the nature of what can be known. Epistemology refers to what is it possible to know, given the limitations of what our measuring tools are. Developmental theorists rely on empirical (real-world) knowledge, such as learning through observation. Scientific method The scientific method is the 'classic' means of doing research. Observation is used to find objective facts. Information is gathered in a systematic way. Findings of the research must be verifiable (able to be questioned by others and tested for accuracy). Research methods used in developmental studies Types of data Quantitative Qualitative Data are analysed to look for patterns. The 'findings' of a study are based on interpretations of the data. Key aspects of research Reliability Are the findings replicable (repeatable)? Would other researchers get the same results? Validity Are the findings truthful and accurate? Do the findings really mean something? Generalisability Do the findings apply to a wider group than the participants in the study (. to similar children or adults)? Importance of culture in research design Does the research describe the cultural setting from an insider's viewpoint ('emic' approach)? Or from an 'objective' point of view imagined to be outside culture ('etic' approach)? Developmental research designs (plans) Schaie's (1965) three developmental factors Age of participants Cohort (a group of people of similar age at a particular time in history, such as baby boomers) Time in history in which study is carried out (. 2010) Research design: unfoldings or snapshots? Longitudinal studies follow people over time to see how behaviours or understandings of people unfold across . | Chapter 3 Methods for studying development Links between theories and methods Theoretical frameworks are like lenses: each one giving a different perspective on the world each one with its unique interpretations. Theories may have different basic assumptions Ontology refers to the nature of what can be known. Epistemology refers to what is it possible to know, given the limitations of what our measuring tools are. Developmental theorists rely on empirical (real-world) knowledge, such as learning through observation. Scientific method The scientific method is the 'classic' means of doing research. Observation is used to find objective facts. Information is gathered in a systematic way. Findings of the research must be verifiable (able to be questioned by others and tested for accuracy). Research methods used in developmental studies Types of data Quantitative Qualitative Data are analysed to look for patterns. The 'findings' of a study are based on interpretations of .
