The observation method is a method in which the researcher uses the senses or instruments to purposefully and plannedly observe the psychological and behavioral performance of the person being observed, and thereby analyze the characteristics and laws of the psychological development of the person being observed. Observation is the most basic and common method in developmental psychology research.

Determine what to observe and what to observe

Choose an observation strategy

Develop an observation record sheet

It can be observed and recorded at the time and on-site when the behavior occurs, and data on the occurrence and development process of the behavior can be collected, which has strong ecological validity.

Observation data are largely affected by the observer's ability level and psychological factors.

The occurrence of behaviors that many developmental psychology researchers hope to observe is sometimes unpredictable.

The application of observation method often requires a lot of manpower, material resources and a lot of time

The interview method is a research method in which researchers conduct oral conversations with interview subjects to understand and collect data on their psychological characteristics and behaviors.

The entire interview process is a process of mutual influence and interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee. Therefore, during the interview, the interviewer should strive to take the initiative in the interview process, actively influence the interviewees, and try to make the research proceed according to the predetermined plan.

It has a specific research purpose and a set of principles for design, preparation and implementation

Ability to collect research data in a targeted manner

Applicable to all interviewees with different educational levels who have oral expression ability

It is more efficient than the questionnaire method

The accuracy and reliability of interview results are greatly affected by the quality of the interviewer himself

Time-consuming

The information obtained is not easy to quantify

The effectiveness of interviews is limited by the environment, time and characteristics of the interviewees.

Experimental method refers to a research method that manipulates and controls certain variables in the study and creates certain situations to explore the causes and laws of psychological development.

laboratory experiment

Field experiment

Testing method is a research method that uses standardized test scales to measure subjects. The results can be compared with the norm to evaluate or diagnose the level or characteristics of psychological development.

Paper and pencil test or computer test

individual test or group test

Aptitude test or personality test

The preparation of the test scale is very rigorous, and the results are easy to process. The scale has ready-made norms and can be directly compared and studied.

There are many types of scales, which can meet the needs of different research purposes.

Poor flexibility of use and high requirements for the main test

The results are difficult to conduct qualitative analysis

The test results may also be affected by practice and test experience

Questionnaire distribution refers to a research method that uses a strictly designed questionnaire with a fixed structure to survey a group of subjects.

The questionnaire is highly structured and avoids blindness and subjectivity.

Able to collect a large amount of data in a short period of time

The data obtained facilitates quantitative analysis

Content is objective and unified

Convenient result processing and analysis

Save manpower, material and financial resources

Strong anonymity, able to obtain more honest answers from subjects

There are certain requirements for the language development level of the subjects, so it is not suitable for young subjects.

The subjects' answers may have a certain degree of subjectivity, so some of the data obtained need to be confirmed by other methods.