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.
Understanding Children′s Development is the UK′s best–selling developmental psychology textbook and has been widely acclaimed for its international coverage and rigorous research–based approach. This dynamic text emphasizes the practical and applied implications of developmental research. It begins by introducing the ways in which psychologists study developmental processes before going on to consider all major aspects of development from conception through to adolescence.
For the fifth edition, the entire text has been updated to take account of developments in the field, whilst retaining all the content and features that have made it so popular amongst both students and lecturers. Major revisions include:
- New and expanded chapters on antisocial behavior and on children and media
- New material on many topics such as: children and day care; developments in cognitive neuroscience; the physical punishment debate; changes in the adolescent brain
- Extended coverage of prosocial behavior, family contexts and involving children in research
- Expanded artwork program and full–color design
Each chapter provides lucid discussion of the material, enlivened by the inclusion of revealing case studies, real–world examples, ′Stop and Think′ boxes and ideas for classroom debate.
Online teaching and learning resources to accompany the text are available at www.wiley.com/college/smith