Unit 3 - Lesson 1
Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
Unit: Development and Learning | Lesson: 1 of 3 |
Topic: Research Methods in Developmental Psychology
AP Exam Weighting: 15%–25% of exam score
Instructions: Complete this lesson during class by engaging in the activities and answering questions. All information needed is provided or will be researched in class. This lesson prepares you for the AP Psychology exam by exploring how research methods study developmental processes, a key concept in understanding behavior across the lifespan. Use the provided spaces to write your answers clearly, focusing on applying concepts critically. This lesson uses a flipped format with a short video review, group debate, and personal research log to vary the activities.
Quick Review Video
Purpose: Activate prior knowledge on research basics.
Activity: Watch the 3-minute video clip on general research methods . Pause at 1:30 to jot one key difference between study types.
Your Note:
Core Content Reading and Note-Taking (10 minutes)
Instructions: Read the core content below and take structured notes in your own words. Highlight one example for each method and one ethical concern. Content: Developmental psychology studies how behavior and mental processes change across the lifespan.
Longitudinal studies track the same individuals over time (e.g., studying cognitive development from childhood to adulthood, revealing changes but risking dropout).
Cross-sectional studies compare different age groups at one time (e.g., memory skills in 5- vs. 10-year-olds, quick but may miss cohort effects).
Cohort-sequential studies combine longitudinal and cross-sectional methods to study developmental trends efficiently (e.g., tracking multiple age groups over years to separate age and generation effects).
Case studies provide in-depth data on individuals (e.g., a child with unique developmental needs, rich detail but limited generalizability).
Reliability ensures consistent results, while validity ensures the study measures what it intends. Ethical considerations, like informed consent and minimizing harm, are critical in developmental research due to vulnerable populations (e.g., children—use deception sparingly and debrief fully). Y
our Structured Notes (one sentence per method, plus ethical note):
- Longitudinal: _______________________________
- Cross-sectional: _______________________________
- Cohort-sequential: _______________________________
- Case study: _______________________________
- Ethical consideration: _______________________________
Group Debate: "Which Method is Best for Studying Development?"
Purpose: Apply concepts through debate to develop critical thinking. Activity: In groups of 4 (2 vs. 2), debate the best method for studying a developmental topic (e.g., "Which method is best for studying how early attachment affects adult relationships?"). Assign sides (e.g., Group 1 argues for longitudinal, Group 2 for cross-sectional). Each side presents 2 minutes of arguments, then rebuttals (1 minute each). Use core content to support claims, focusing on strengths, limitations, reliability, validity, and ethics. Your Group's Arguments (list 3 points for your side):
Opponent's Strongest Point & Your Rebuttal:
Class Share: As a group, share one winning argument from the debate.
Personal Research Log: Design Your Own Study
Purpose: Synthesize knowledge by designing a mini-study. Activity: Individually, design a simple study on a developmental topic (e.g., "How does screen time affect teen social skills?"). Choose one method (longitudinal, cross-sectional, cohort-sequential, or case study), describe your sample, procedure, and address one ethical issue and how to handle validity/reliability. Your Study Design:
- Method chosen: _______________________________
- Sample: _______________________________
- Procedure: _______________________________
- Ethical issue & solution: _______________________________
- Validity/reliability plan: _______________________________
AP Exam Practice
Instructions: Answer the FRQ below. We’ll review as a class to learn exam strategies.
Free-Response Question (FRQ): Explain how longitudinal studies, cross-sectional studies, and ethical considerations interact to influence developmental psychology research. Provide one example for each factor (longitudinal studies, cross-sectional studies, ethical considerations) and analyze how they interact to shape research outcomes.
Closure and Exit Poll (3 minutes)
Purpose: Summarize and gauge understanding.
Activity: Write one key takeaway (e.g., "Longitudinal studies show change but are time-consuming"). Then, poll: On a scale of 1-5, how confident are you in designing a developmental study? (Share verbally).
Your Key Takeaway: _______________________________
Confidence Scale: 1 (low) to 5 (high): ____
Extended Practice
Instructions: Complete the tasks below based on today’s lesson to reinforce AP skills.
- Review your notes from the video, reading, debate, and study design.
- Write a short paragraph (3–5 sentences) applying one research method to a real-life developmental question (e.g., “How would a cross-sectional study help understand teen social media use?”). Explain strengths, limitations, and one ethical consideration.
- Find a short article or study on developmental research methods (e.g., via apa.org) and write 1–2 sentences summarizing its relevance to today’s lesson. Cite the source (e.g., website or article title).