Question

list and describe 3 research methods to study child development .provide an example for each. what is the IRB?

Answer 1

Child development takes place through emotional, motor, cognitive and language development. There are quantitative methods of research like correlation, longitudinal studies, cross sectional studies and qualitative methods like case study. The research methods used to study child development are:

1. Longitudinal Studies : In this method of research same group of children are studied over a period of time ranging from few weeks, few months, years or a lifetime by repeated tests and observations. This method helps in studying the developmental process in children on various parameters like cognition, emotions, behavior. How the child develop new aspects and leave the old patterns are observed and tested by the researcher. For example The Millennium Cohort study is an ongoing longitudinal research on approximately eighteen to nineteen thousand children born in United Kingdom in 2000-01.

2. Cross- Sectional Studies: This type of research involves study and observation of children belonging to different age groups at one point in time. Researcher studies behavior, characteristics and skills of the children determining the child development. In comparison to longitudinal studies , cross sectional studies consume less time of the researcher and are less expensive. For example study of emotional and social quotient among the children of different age groups at a single point in time.

3. Case Study: In the case study method observation and interaction with the child takes place over a period of time. This method provides a rich array of information on various aspects, behavior, and other characteristics. It is an in-depth research method which covers numerous aspects of child development. For example a case study involving whether emotional and motor development of child is developing normally for his age.
IRB stands for Institutional Review Board, in research practices which enables that the research is carried out in an ethical manner, adhering to the norms and standards of the board. IRB ensures that the interests, welfare of the participants are safeguarded by confidentiality, informed consent, and information about the research. Appropriate approval is required and IRB regulates that research should be carried in an ethical manner.