Types of Research

1. Basic research: To answer questions about the nature of human behavior and to understand psychological processes.

• Goal is to increase knowledge. Is not dependent on whether or not knowledge is immediately applicable or to solve a particular problem.

Is memory better for words or nonwords?

2. Applied research: To address issues of practical problems and to find solutions to problems.

• Research is focused in everyday problems• Research is designed to optimize development or solve a

problem• Multidisciplinary collaboration

Workplace research: Do people work better (more productive) with better lighting?

Special populations: Do children with autism read better when they have pictures in books?

Evaluation research: effect of a program (or intervention) on behavior. Does attending AADAC reduce drinking?

Goals of Applied Research

Assessment – to identify developmentally important characteristics in an at-risk target population

Intervention – to alter the environment in way that may prevent, correct, or reduce problems in development

• provide immediate benefit to those being studied• provide long term benefit to some at-risk

population

Goals of Applied Research

Research on Socially Important Issues – to provide evidence relevant to the resolution of pragmatically important questions

Contribution to Public Policy – To use knowledge gained from research to inform policy-making decisions

Dissemination of Knowledge – reports, presentations

Lerner et al. (2000)

Applied Developmental Science: • Integrate research with actions, policies and

programs to promote positive development and enhance lives of vulnerable children and families.

• Institutions adding value to community

• E.g., Community-University Partnership, University of Alberta

Lerner et al. (2000)

Applied Developmental Science: • Applied: direct implications on what children,

families, practitioners and policy makers do.• Developmental: changes in human development• Science: using research to collect reliable and

objective information in a systematic manner.

Lerner et al. (2000)

• Integrating science with the community knowledge, knowledge transfer

• Person-environment interactions among various settings

Two Models of Research• Efficacy research: what works under optimal,

university-based, research conditions?• Outreach research: research conducted in real-

world settings

Lerner et al. (2000)

Public policy must ensure families provide: • Boundaries and expectations• Physiological and safety needs• Climate of love and caring• Support of self-esteem• Encouragement and support of growth• Constructive use of time• Positive values• Positive links with community

Lerner et al. (2000)

Policies > Programs > Resources:• Healthy Start• Safe Environment• Education• Opportunity to give back to community• Freedom form prejudice and discrimination

Lerner et al. (2000)

Outcomes of Children, 5 Cs:• Competence• Connection• Character• Confidence• Caring