Understanding Children's Development

This second edition of "Understanding Children's Development" provides an overview of child development for those new to the study of psychology. Revised and updated to take account of new research, it includes two completely new chapters - "Becoming Socially Aware" and "Learning in Social Context". Its opening section orientates the reader to the way in which psychologists study developmental processes and surveys the biological and evolutionary background of behavioural development. Substantial new material in Chapter Two reviews the recent work in "mindreading" in primates, which links to similar work on theory of mind in children (discussed later in the book). "Understanding Children's Development" goes on to consider all of the major aspects of development including social, moral and cognitive development. Emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of different kinds of psychological research, the authors give a sense of developmental psychology by describing in each chapter particularly important and revealing case studies. They also include ideas for classroom discussion and examples of practical exercises.

There is no other book on the market that comes near in its scholarship, coverage and accessibility. Martyn Barrett, University of Surrey

A very valuable text for everyone interested in children′s development. Professor Judith Dunn, Institute of Psychiatry, King′s College London

Understanding Children′s Developmentis one of the best introductory treatments of this discipline that I know. Professor C. Philip Hwang, Gothenburg University, Sweden

"Overall this text provides a comprehensive introduction to developmental psychology that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those undertaking introductory university courses in human development to a wide range of professionals wishing to update their knowledge of children′s development. The fact that it is written in the most accessible of styles, with frequent suggestions for ways of relating the material to everyday experiences, makes it a particularly useful resource for those new to the area. However, its emphasis on contemporary research and suggestions for further reading will also appeal to the more knowledgeable reader seeking ways to extend his/her understanding of development. The authors state their goals were to produce a book that kept abreast of recent advances in the field of developmental psychology, as well as summarising ′core′ knowledge about human development. As should be evident from the above review, both these goals are certainly achieved in the fourth edition of Understanding Children′s Development." Steven Lyttle, University College Northampton, ICD, September 2003

"The overall presentation of the book is an improvement on its predecessors. The pages are larger and glossier with more (better quality) photographs included. There is now some use of colour for headings and box tables which enhances the layout and visual appeal of each chapter. This may be particularly attractive to those ′new to the study of psychology′ ... There is little doubt that the book delivers what it promises ... Given the high standard and overall quality of this book, I have no major criticisms to make. The chapters are skilfully written; succinct yet clear. Issues were tackled thoroughly and with enthusiasm. Topics were treated perceptively with arguments and counter–arguments well–placed throughout ... I found this book extremely rewarding to explore. It was very instructive and engaging thus I have no hesitation in recommending it to all those interested in a comprehensive introduction to child development – a valuable addition to any bookshelf!" Donna McWilliam, University of Strathclyde, British Journal of Developmental Psychology, Vol.21, Part 3, September 2003

"A comprehensive introduction to developmental psychology that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those undertaking introductory university courses in human development to a wide range of professionals wishing to update their knowledge of children′s development. The fact that it is written in the most accessible of styles, with frequent suggestions for relating the material to everyday experiences, makes it a particularly useful resource to those new to the area. However, its emphasis on contemporary research and suggestions for further reading will also appeal to the more knowledgeable reader seeking ways to extend his/her understanding of development. The authors state that their goals were to produce a book that kept abreast of recent advances in the field of developmental psychology, as well as summarizing ′core′ knowledge about human development. Both these goals are certainly achieved in the fourth edition of Understanding Children′s Development." Infant and Child Development: An International Journal of Research, Volume 13, Number 4, November 2004