Description
Infants and Children in Context by award-winning author Tara L. Kuther offers a comprehensive, research-based exploration of child development through middle childhood. Organized chronologically, this book examines key developmental themes—context, research, and applied science—through real-life examples, cross-cultural stories, and case studies. Topics include gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, providing a diverse and inclusive perspective. The Second Edition equips readers with practical insights they can apply to their lives and future careers. Its focused coverage makes it the most current option available for courses centered specifically on infant and child development.
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Highlights
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Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Chapter 1 Introduction to Child Development: Themes, Theories, and Research
Understanding Development
Core Concepts in Developmental Science
Classic Theories: Psychoanalytic and Behaviorist Theories
Cognitive Theories
Biological and Systems Theories: Evolutionary Developmental, Bioecological, and Dynamic Systems Theories
Methods of Collecting Data About Children
Research Designs
Applied Developmental Science, Ethics, and Intersectionality
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 2 Biological and Environmental Foundations of Development
Genetic Foundations of Development
Chromosomal and Genetic Abnormalities
Reproductive Technology and Genetic Counseling
Prenatal Diagnosis
Heredity and Environment Interactions
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 3 The Prenatal Period, Birth, and the Newborn
Prenatal Development
Environmental Influences of Prenatal Development
The Prenatal Environment and Prenatal Care
Childbirth
The Newborn
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 4 Physical Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Body Growth and Health in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Threats to Infant and Toddler Health
Brain Development During Infancy and Toddlerhood
Sensory and Perceptual Development
Motor Development
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 5 Cognitive Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Piaget’s Cognitive-Developmental Theory: Sensorimotor Reasoning
Information Processing Theory
Language Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Biological and Contextual Influences on Language Development
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 6 Socioemotional Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Emotional Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Temperament
Attachment
The Self in Infancy and Toddlerhood
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 7 Physical Development in Early Childhood
Growth and Motor Development
Brain Development
Promoting Health in Early Childhood
Threats to Health and Well-Being
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 8 Cognitive Development in Early Childhood
Piaget’s Cognitive-Developmental Theory: Preoperational Reasoning
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
Information Processing in Early Childhood
Language Development in Early Childhood
Moral Development and Behavior in Early Childhood
Early Childhood Education
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 9 Socioemotional Development in Early Childhood
Emerging Sense of Self
Emotional Development in Early Childhood
Families
Gender Typing and Gender Development
Play and Peer Relationships in Early Childhood
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 10 Physical Development in Middle Childhood
Growth and Motor Development
Brain Development
Health in Middle Childhood
Threats to Health in Middle Childhood
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 11 Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood
Piaget’s Cognitive-Developmental Theory: Concrete Operational Reasoning
Information Processing Theory
Intelligence
Moral Reasoning in Middle Childhood
Language Development in Middle Childhood
Learning and Schooling in Middle Childhood
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Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Chapter 12 Socioemotional Development in Middle Childhood
The Self in Middle Childhood
Gender in Middle Childhood
Peer Relationships in Middle Childhood
Families in Middle Childhood
Risk and Resilience in Middle Childhood
Apply Your Knowledge
Chapter Summary
Key Terms
Glossary
References
