1/16/2012. 1. The Journey Of Adulthood, 6/e. Helen L. Bee & Barbara R.
Bjorklund. Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION. TO ADULT. DEVELOPMENT. Multiple
Factors ...
1/16/2012
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Multiple Factors contribute to universal adult development and individual differences: Biological Influences Shared Experiences Internal Change Processes Cultural and Cohort Effects Timing of Experiences
Multiple Factors contribute to universal adult development and individual differences: Shared Experiences Social clock produces shared changes by dictating timing and sequence of normal adult experiences. Age stratification is prominently seen in patterns of experience associated with marriage and family life.
Multiple Factors contribute to universal adult development and individual differences: Timing of Experiences On-time events are easier to cope with then off-time events.
Adult development is characterized by periods of stability. Environmental Factors Inherited qualities do not develop in a vacuum. Initial patterns are perpetuated by choices we make.
Choosing the appropriate research design is essential to the scientific study of development: Cross-sectional Designs Longitudinal Designs Sequential Designs
Choosing the appropriate research design is essential to the scientific study of development: Cross-sectional Designs Includes different groups of subjects at different ages. Can tell us about potential age differences. Do not provide direct information regarding age-related changes. Limited by cohort effects.
Choosing the appropriate research design is essential to the scientific study of development: Longitudinal Designs Solve many problems of cross-sectional studies. Follow the same subjects over time.
Choosing the appropriate research design is essential to the scientific study of development: Sequential Designs Advantages: Can analyze age changes and their variations. Separate the impact of unique cohort experiences from that of more enduring developmental patterns. Disadvantages: Complex, expensive and time-consuming.
Knowledge of strategies for collecting and analyzing data is important to understand research on adult development: Subject Selection Data Collection Data Analysis Study Type
Knowledge of strategies for collecting and analyzing data is important to understand research on adult development: Subject Selection Goal is sample that enables depth and generalizability of findings. Small samples increase depth of study but limit generalizability. Larger samples (if representative) can increase generalizability, but often limit depth due to practical considerations (time, expense, etc.).
Knowledge of strategies for collecting and analyzing data is important to understand research on adult development: Data Collection Observation Interviews Questionnaires Standardized Tests
Knowledge of strategies for collecting and analyzing data is important to understand research on adult development: Data Analysis The two most common ways of looking at the results of studies of adult change and stability are: comparison of mean scores and correlational analysis.
Knowledge of strategies for collecting and analyzing data is important to understand research on adult development: Data Analysis Comparison of Means: The means (averages) are analyzed to look for differences or continuities. Comparison of means can highlight possible age changes, but cannot determine stability or change within individuals.
Knowledge of strategies for collecting and analyzing data is important to understand research on adult development: Data Analysis Correlational Analysis: A correlation indicates the extent to which two sets of scores covary. Correlations (r) can range from +1.00 to –1.00. A positive correlation shows that high scores on the two dimensions occur together. A negative correlations tells us that high scores on one dimension go with low scores on the other. The closer the number is to 1.00, the stronger the relationship. Correlational analysis is the main tool used to identify continuities or discontinuities in individual patterns over adulthood.
Knowledge of strategies for collecting and analyzing data is important to understand research on adult development: Study Type The type of study that is used determines what conclusions can be formed. Correlational Studies Experimental Studies Quasi-Experimental Studies
Knowledge of strategies for collecting and analyzing data is important to understand research on adult development: Study Type The type of study that is used determines what conclusions can be formed. Correlational Studies Can be very useful to show that two factors are related, but further studies are necessary to prove causality.
