Understanding Children′s Development - Hardcover

SMITH

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0631157220 ISBN 13: 9780631157229

Publisher: Wiley–Blackwell, 1988

Synopsis

This introductory textbook seeks to serve as a straightforward overview of the subject. Its opening section orients the reader to the ways in which psychologists study developmental processes and surveys the biological and evolutionary background of behavioural development. The bonding of parent and child, the development of sex differences, friendship, play and the impact of television on children are some of the topics covered in chapters on social and moral development. "Understanding Child Development" also reviews perception, the development of language and reading skills, and cognitive development more generally. Emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of different kinds of psychological research, the authors give a vivid sense of developmental psychology by describing in each chapter two particularly important and revealing case studies. They include ideas for classroom discussion and examples of practical exercises students might carry out. The book is aimed at introductory students of psychology from sixth-form upwards (JMB & AEB syllabuses), trainee teachers, social workers, occupational therapists and nurses.

About this title

Review

This classic textbook provides an outstanding introduction to the field of developmental psychology. It is comprehensive in its coverage, and presents the latest developments in contemporary scholarship in a highly accessible format. It is a real pleasure to read. There is no better introductory level book on the market.  
Professor Martyn Barrett, University of Surrey

This book is a comprehensive, accessible and valuable addition to the field of psychology. It provides extensive insights into current research and contemporary issues in the area with both clarity and authority. The book is highly recommended to anyone engaged with the research and practice of child development.  
Marilyn Hackney, Manchester Metropolitan University

"This is definitely one of my favorite developmental textbooks! It´s very comprehensive and covers all the topics I cover in my courses and more."
C. Philip Hwang, Gothenburg University, Sweden

From the Back Cover

This leading child development text has been widely acclaimed for its international coverage and its rigorous research–based approach. It begins by introducing the ways in which psychologists study developmental processes before going on to consider all major aspects of development, including biological, social, moral and cognitive components.

For the fourth edition, the entire text has been updated to take account of recent developments in the field. Major revisions include:

coverage of a range of theoretical perspectives from evolutionary developmental psychology to cultural–ecological and social–constructionist viewpoints

a new chapter on prenatal development and birth

extensive new material on developments in attachment theory

extended discussion of implications of the social contexts of learning for cognition and education

recent perspectives on disadvantage. Each chapter provides lucid discussion of the material, enlivened by the inclusion of revealing case studies, and ideas for classroom discussion. Throughout the text the practical and applied implications of developmental research are emphasized and discussed.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley–Blackwell
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0631157220
• ISBN 13: 9780631157229
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 464