Learning aims have been provided to help keep track of the key concepts you need to master in each chapter:

• understand the importance of research design and methodology to research on child development
   
• be familiar with the various measurement techniques used in developmental research
   
• be able to articulate the strengths and weaknesses of different measurement techniques
   
• understand the relative strengths and weaknesses of the controlled experiments, quasi experiments and non-experiments, and be familiar with the conclusions than can be drawn from each type of study
   
• recognize research designs specifically geared towards understanding developmental questions and the sort of information provided by each type of study
   
• be aware of the ethical issues involved in research with children