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An Introduction to Child Development
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An Introduction to Child Development

Second Edition
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February 2009 | 424 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

Thoroughly updated, An Introduction to Child Development, Second Edition offers readers a comprehensive survey of the main areas of child development, from infancy to adolescence. Like the First Edition, the text equips students with an appreciation of critical issues in the field in a readily accessible format. Author Thomas Keenan and Subhadra Evans provide a balanced coverage of topics and theoretical perspectives.

Key Features of the Second Edition

  • Includes more information on the biological foundations of development
  • Contains new chapters on moral development and applied developmental psychology
  • Incorporates enhanced pedagogy throughout the book
  • Accompanied by a companion Web site with resources for both students and instructors

Intended Audience

This introductory text is designed for students in psychology and related disciplines studying child development

 
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION, THEORIES AND METHODS
 
Principles of Developmental Psychology
 
Theories of Development
 
Research Methodology and Design in Developmental Psychology
 
PART TWO: BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF DEVELOPMENT
 
Physical and Motor Development
 
The Developing Brain
 
Genes, Environment and Development
 
PART THREE: THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERCEPTION, COGNITION AND LANGUAGE
 
Perceptual Development
 
Theories of Cognitive Development
 
Cognitive Processes
 
The Development of Language and Communication
 
PART FOUR: SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT
 
Emotional Development
 
Social Development
 
Moral Development
 
PART FIVE: APPLYING THE STUDY OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
 
Developmental Psychopathology
 
Applied Developmental Psychology

This excellent book provides comprehensive coverage of topics in child development. It presents contemporary evidence in an authoritative and accessible way that draws the reader into this fascinating area from the outset. An essential companion for psychology and education-related courses
Jonathan Doherty
Leeds Metropolitan University


A very useful introduction to child development covering a range of important topics
David Messer
Professor of Childhood, Development and Learning, The Open University


A clear and easily navigated introduction to the key areas of developmental psychology
Dr Sarah E Henderson
School of Applied Social Studies, Robert Gordon University


This is a useful general text which will be relevant to first year students, I like the way that recent research evidence is presented clearly and concisely.

Mrs Mary-Louise Maynes
Education, Bishop Grosseteste University
December 30, 2014

This is a basic introduction to child development, but I am looking for something that discusses critical and contemporary issues relating to development.

Mrs Anna Colgan
Higher Education, Banbury and Bicester College
July 22, 2014

A well written and structured texts covering the key concepts and theory. Provides a good overview with a strong theoretical focus which is often lacking for students

Dr Peter Leadbetter
Health & Social Care, Edge Hill University
May 16, 2014

A very good introduction to Developmental Psychology. Well written and at a high scientific level.

Dr Jesper Dammeyer
Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen
May 9, 2014

I liked the layout. Are there Power Points available?

Ms Michela Tripodi
Psychology Dept, Kean University
September 8, 2013

Did not provide the type of material I was looking for for the class that I am going to be teaching.

Ms Kristine Camacho
Psychology, Northwestern Connecticut Community College
March 23, 2013

Very useful test your knowledge sections support students to acknowledge what they have read - and understood.

Mrs Michelle Rogers
Centre for Early Childhood, University of Worcester
March 12, 2013

This book covers some of the key aspects of child development but would benefit from some illustrated examples to aid the students understanding

Mrs Sian Lloyd-Williams
Sch of Education & Lifelong Learning, Aberystwyth University
February 13, 2013

A good text for those who are new to child development. I have found that educators especially benefit from this easy to read text. The questions at the end of each unit are also helpful to reflect on the knowledge gained.

Dr Alecia Samuels
Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, University of Pretoria
December 17, 2012

The Second Edition includes features including:

- learning points

- section & chapter summaries,

- end-of-chapter glossaries

- suggestions for further reading

- sample multiple choice questions

- sidebars featuring in depth discussions of key research findings or points of debate within the field of child development.

The text comes with a dedicated website with resources for both students and instructors.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One

Chapter Two


Thomas Keenan

  Thomas Keenan is currently a Professor in the School of Academic & Liberal Studies, Niagara College in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.  He is also an adjunct member of the Department of Psychology, Brock University.  He is a developmental psychologist with interests in children’s theory of mind, sarcasm & irony comprehension, and music.  More About Author

Subhadra Evans

Subhadra Evans completed her PhD in Developmental Psychology at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. She is currently serving as Associate Professor in the UCLA Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Program, where she researches the impact of chronic pain on family and social relationships, and the use of mind-body medicine to treat chronic pain. She also teaches courses on Child Development, Health Psychology and Introductory Psychology. More About Author

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ISBN: 9781412911153
£30.99