Child Development Problems and Research Methods

COURSE : INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (PSY 150) CREDIT HOURS : 3 CREDITS SEMESTER/SESSION : 2st SEMESTER, 2021/2022 SESSION PREPARED BY : ROBIN ARKIN LECTURE NOTES Developmental Issues Child development is a complex and multidimensional process involving various aspects, such as physical, cognitive, social and emotional. There are various problems that may occur in child development, including: 1. Developmental delay: Some children may experience developmental delay, where they do not reach the expected developmental milestones for their age. For example, they may not be able to sit, crawl, walk, or talk at the age expected. 2. Physical health problems: Some children may have physical health problems, such as heart defects, birth defects, or vision or hearing problems. These health problems can affect a child's physical and cognitive development. 3. Mental health problems Some children may experience mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD. Mental health problems can affect a child's emotional and social well-being. 4. Nutritional problems: Deficiency or excess of nutrition can affect a child's development. Malnourished children may experience delays in physical and cognitive development, whereas children who eat too much of an unhealthy diet may develop obesity and related health problems. 5. Unsupportive environment: The environment in which children grow and develop can affect their development. An unsupportive environment can include violence, domestic instability, or lack of access to health care and education. 6. Genetic factors Some children may experience developmental problems due to genetic or hereditary factors. For example, children with genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or autism may have developmental delays. It is important for parents and caregivers to pay close attention to their child's development and to seek help immediately if they feel a problem arises. Consult a doctor or child development professional for advice and suggestions on how best to support your child's development. Child Development Research Methods The child development research method is a method used by researchers to study child development from various aspects, such as cognitive, social, emotional, and physical aspects. Several research methods used to study child development include: 1. Observation: Observation is a research technique in which the researcher observes children while they are doing certain activities or interacting with other people. Observations can be made in person or via video recording. Observations can provide information about a child's behavior, skills, and abilities. 2. Tests and assessments: Tests and assessments can be used to measure a child's skills and abilities in various areas, such as cognitive, motor, and social. Examples of 3. 4. 5. 6. tests commonly used in child development research include IQ tests, psychological tests, and tests of motor skills. Interview: Interviews can be used to obtain information from parents or caregivers about a child's behaviour, skills and abilities. Interviews can help researchers understand the context and background of children and identify factors that may influence their development. Longitudinal studies: Longitudinal studies involve observing children over time, often over many years. These studies can provide information about changes in child development over time and the factors that influence them. Case studies: Case studies involve in-depth observation of a child or group of children to understand their development in detail. Case studies can help researchers understand the factors that influence children's development and provide insight into individual children's experiences. Experiment: Experiments involve manipulating certain variables to see their effect on the child's development. Examples of experiments include giving children cognitive exercises or providing social support and observing their impact on children's development. The selection of the right research method depends on the research objectives and the type of data to be obtained. It is important for researchers to use methods appropriate to their research questions and to consider research ethics when involving children.