Understanding Children's Development: (Basic Psychology)

This leading child development text has been widely acclaimed for its international coverage and its rigorous research-based approach. 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 fourth edition, the entire text has been updated to take account of recent developments in the field. Major revisions include:a new chapter on prenatal development and birthcoverage of a range of theoretical perspectives - from evolutionary developmental psychology to cultural-ecological and social-constructionist viewpointsextensive new material on developments in attachment theory extended discussion of implications of the social contexts of learning for cognition and educationEach chapter provides lucid discussion of the material, enlivened by the inclusion of revealing case studies, and ideas for classroom discussion. Throughout the text the practical and applied implications of developmental research are emphasized and discussed. Online support material, including multiple choice questions, to accompany this text is available athttp: //www .blackwellpublishing. com/ucd

Table of Contents:
List of Plates and Box Plates. List of Figures and Box Figures. List of Tables and Box Tables. Series Preface. Preface to the First Edition. Preface to the Second Edition. Preface to the Third Edition. Preface to the Fourth Edition. Acknowledgements. Part I: Theories and Methods:. 1. Studying Development. 2. Biological and Cultural Theories of Development. Part II: The Social World of the Child:. 3. Prenatal Development and Birth. 4. Parents and Families. 5. The Peer Group. 6. Becoming Socially Aware. 7. Play. 8. Helping Others and Moral Development. 9. Adolescence. Part III: Children's Developing Minds:. 10. Perception. 11. Language. 12. Cognition: Piaget's Theory. 13. Cognition: the Information Processing Approach. 14. Children's Understanding of Mind. 15. Learning in a Social Context. 16. Intelligence and Attainment. 17. Deprivation and Enrichment: Risk and Resilience. Appendix A: Ethical Principles for Conducting Research with Human Participants. Appendix B: Careers in Psychology. References. Index.

About the Author :
Peter K. Smith is Professor of Psychology and Head of the Unit for School and Family Studies at Goldsmiths College, London. Helen Cowie is Professor of Psychology and on the senior management team of the School of Psychology and Counselling at the University of Surrey Roehampton. Mark Blades is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Sheffield.

Review :
"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