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
