Understanding Children's Development (Basic Psychology) [Paperback]

Peter K. Smith (Author), Helen Cowie (Author), Mark Blades (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0631228233 | ISBN-13: 978-0631228233 | Publication Date: April 21, 2003 | Edition: 4

This leading child development text, widely acclaimed for its international coverage and its rigorous research-based approach, has been thoroughly revised and updated:

• Provides international coverage.
  
• Takes a rigorous research-based approach.
  
• Now includes an additional chapter on prenatal development and birth.
  
• Student-friendly features include detailed case studies, suggestions for further reading, and ideas for classroom discussion.

Useful online support material, including multiple choice questions, to accompany this text is available at www.blackwellpublishing.com/ucd.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“There is no other book on the market that comes near in its scholarship, coverage and accessibility.” Martyn Barrett, University of Surrey

“A very valuable text for everyone interested in children's development.” Professor Judith Dunn, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London

“Understanding Children's Developmentis one of the best introductory treatments of this discipline that I know.” Professor C. Philip Hwang, Gothenburg University, Sweden

"Overall this text provides a comprehensive introduction to developmental psychology that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those undertaking introductory university courses in human development to a wide range of professionals wishing to update their knowledge of children's development. The fact that it is written in the most accessible of styles, with frequent suggestions for ways of relating the material to everyday experiences, makes it a particularly useful resource for those new to the area. However, its emphasis on contemporary research and suggestions for further reading will also appeal to the more knowledgeable reader seeking ways to extend his/her understanding of development. The authors state their goals were to produce a book that kept abreast of recent advances in the field of developmental psychology, as well as summarising 'core' knowledge about human development. As should be evident from the above review, both these goals are certainly achieved in the fourth edition of Understanding Children's Development." Steven Lyttle, University College Northampton, ICD, September 2003

"The overall presentation of the book is an improvement on its predecessors. The pages are larger and glossier with more (better quality) photographs included. There is now some use of colour for headings and box tables which enhances the layout and visual appeal of each chapter. This may be particularly attractive to those 'new to the study of psychology' ... There is little doubt that the book delivers what it promises ... Given the high standard and overall quality of this book, I have no major criticisms to make. The chapters are skilfully written; succinct yet clear. Issues were tackled thoroughly and with enthusiasm. Topics were treated perceptively with arguments and counter-arguments well-placed throughout ... I found this book extremely rewarding to explore. It was very instructive and engaging thus I have no hesitation in recommending it to all those interested in a comprehensive introduction to child development - a valuable addition to any bookshelf!" Donna McWilliam, University of Strathclyde, British Journal of Developmental Psychology, Vol.21, Part 3, September 2003

"A comprehensive introduction to developmental psychology that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those undertaking introductory university courses in human development to a wide range of professionals wishing to update their knowledge of children's development. The fact that it is written in the most accessible of styles, with frequent suggestions for relating the material to everyday experiences, makes it a particularly useful resource to those new to the area. However, its emphasis on contemporary research and suggestions for further reading will also appeal to the more knowledgeable reader seeking ways to extend his/her understanding of development. The authors state that their goals were to produce a book that kept abreast of recent advances in the field of developmental psychology, as well as summarizing 'core' knowledge about human development. Both these goals are certainly achieved in the fourth edition of Understanding Children's Development." Infant and Child Development: An International Journal of Research, Volume 13, Number 4, November 2004

Review

“This classic textbook provides an outstanding introduction to the field of developmental psychology. It is comprehensive in its coverage, and presents the latest developments in contemporary scholarship in a highly accessible format. It is a real pleasure to read. There is no better introductory level book on the market.” 
—Professor Martyn Barrett, University of Surrey

“This book is a comprehensive, accessible and valuable addition to the field of psychology. It provides extensive insights into current research and contemporary issues in the area with both clarity and authority. The book is highly recommended to anyone engaged with the research and practice of child development.” 
—Marilyn Hackney, Manchester Metropolitan University

"This is definitely one of my favorite developmental textbooks! It´s very comprehensive and covers all the topics I cover in my courses and more."
—C. Philip Hwang, Gothenburg University, Sweden --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 704 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 4 edition (April 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631228233
• ISBN-13: 978-0631228233
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #559,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A very comprehensive book, June 12, 2009

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didik "didik" (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Children's Development (Basic Psychology) (Paperback)

I am an expectant mother with an interest (and some background) in psychology and children's development. I bought this book to develop a better understanding of the stages of children's development and various development theories. The book is extremely comprehensive, written in simple language, with numerous accounts of experiments that exemplify development theories. It is an excellent read.