Developmental Psychology

What does it mean to say that one child is more intelligent than another? Does it really make a difference if we talk to babies even though they cant understand us? Why do children with the same parents have different characters? At what age are children likely to become involved in cyberbullying?   Developmental Psychology second edition provides a clear and lively coverage of the main topics and concepts required by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The book is organised on broadly topical lines and addresses the social and cognitive strands of development.  It provides an intuitive pathway through the core topics and includes a final section which focuses on the clinical and applied aspects of the subject.  This second edition includes updated and expanded coverage of play, motor development, genetics and research methods   The text has been pedagogically developed to encourage the reader to engage with empirical research, as well as theory, to make links between different areas of development, and to recognise common themes.  Features include: Cutting edge boxes offer insight into research advances, new directions and applications. Lifespan boxes illustrate the ways in which development continues after childhood Nature / nurture interaction boxes explore the issues surrounding this debate highlighting its subtleties and complexity Research methods boxes outline and consider established methodologies or present new methodologies, considering its contribution to our understanding of a particular aspect of development Case studies provide real descriptions of behaviour, bringing more complex and abstract concepts and ideas to life.  Throughout the text and at the end of chapters, Stop and think and Review questions encourage critical reflection of a topic and help students to organise and revise their thinking with respect to coursework and exam requirements.     Rachel Gillibrand is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of the West of England. Virginia Lam is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of East London. Victoria L. O'Donnell is a psychologist and Director of Learning Innovation at the University of the West of Scotland