longitudinal study - -This type of design involves following individuals over a long period of time with
multiple assessment points. For example, children can participate in a longitudinal study in which they
are asked about their social groups at age 10, 13, and 15.
-enables researchers to tease out whether a phenomenon is due to developmental change (the person
becoming older, more mature, etc.) or something inherent in the individual. It can also explore what
qualities change over time and what qualities remain stable.
cross-sectional study - -compares different age groups at the same time. For instance, this study design
would include three groups of children and teens who are asked about their social groups. The groups
are compared to each other.
Naturalistic Observation - -research method that involves observing a research subject outside of a
research setting and in a more natural location. For example, Jean Piaget routinely observed his children
at play at home.
Case Study - -involve direct observation of research subjects. But, case studies also involve interviewing
the participant in great detail. As such, it is a very detailed examination of an individual.
Survey/Interview - -administered anonymously, such as via the Internet or mail, or in person. If they are
administered in person, they would take place in an interview format. Surveys ask questions about
attitudes, opinions, and the frequencies of certain behaviors.
Correlational Research - -the researcher is interested in knowing how two variables, or things, relate
together. For example, do the number of friendships that people have increase with age? To answer this,
researchers use statistics to indicate the degree and direction of the relationship. The degree of the
relation tells you how strong the correlation is, while the direction indicates whether both variables
increase together (that would be a positive relationship) or whether as one variable increases, the other
decreases (a negative, or inverse, relationship). An example of a negative association or relationship
would be as one gets older, one throws fewer temper tantrums.
, Experiments - An experiment is a research design in which the researcher tightly controls the setting, as
well as participants and variables in the research study. In addition, the researcher manipulates a factor
that is believed to have some influence.
2.2 Biological Beginnings and Prenatal Development - ...Prenatal diagnostic tests allow parents and
health care professionals to discern whether a baby is developing normally. These tests include
ultrasound, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling.
Ultrasound - -Ultrasound (sonogram) directs high frequency sound waves into the mother's abdomen.
The echo from the sound waves is then used to create an image of the developing baby. Ultrasound can
show the position of the baby, gender, gestational age, and some brain defects.
-Noninvasive and generally viewed to be safe, a general rule is to have fewer than five ultrasounds during
pregnancy (having five or more may be associated with increased risk of low birth weight). Below is a 3-D
ultrasound image taken at the gestational age of 20 weeks.
Amniocentesis - -involves removing a sample of amniotic fluid through a syringe. The fluid can then be
tested for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities.
-is done between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. However, amniocentesis is more invasive than
an ultrasound, and there is a risk of miscarriage after amniocentesis (roughly 1 in 300 women will
miscarry).
Chorionic Villus Sampling - -involves inserting a tube and removing tissue from the end of one or more
chorionic villi, which are finger-like projections on the membrane of the placenta. These contain the
same genetic material as the developing baby.
- CVS is typically performed between the 10th and 12th weeks after conception and is used to detect
genetic abnormalities. Due to its invasive nature, there is a higher risk of miscarriage than with
amniocentesis.
Genetic-Environment Interactions - -There are three ways that genetics (nature) and environment
(nurture) interact to influence an individual.
Passive Genotype-Environment Interaction - -parents can provide both the genetic predisposition as well
as a nurturing context to foster certain qualities in a child. For example, a musical family provides many
opportunities for musical development.
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