The microgenetic method: A direct means for studying cognitive development.

Abstract

Progress in understanding cognitive developmental change mechanisms requires methods that yield detailed data about particular changes. The microgenetic method is an approach that can yield such data. It involves (a) observations of individual children throughout the period of the change, (b) a high density of observations relative to the rate of change within that period, and (c) intensive trial-by-trial analyses intended to infer the processes that gave rise to the change. This approach can illuminate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of change, indicate the conditions under which changes occur, and yield otherwise unobtainable information about short-lived transition strategies. The cost in time and effort of such studies is often high, but the value of the information about change can more than justify the cost.

Cites (3)

1. Synaptic density in human frontal cortex —Developmental changes and effects of aging
   Peter R., Huttenlocher · 1979 · Brain Research
2. Experience and brain development
   Greenough, William T., Black, James E., Wallace, Christopher S. · 1987 · Child Development
3. Belief revision in children: The role of prior knowledge and strategies for generating evidence
   Schauble, Leona · 1990 · Journal of Experimental Child Psychology

Show all 3 references

Cited by (28)

1. Enrichment Effects on Adult Cognitive Development: Can the Functional Capacity of Older Adults Be Preserved and Enhanced?
   Hertzog, Christopher, Kramer, Arthur F., Wilson, Robert S., Lindenberger, Ulman · 2008 · Psychological Science in the Public Interest
2. LIFESPAN PSYCHOLOGY: Theory and Application to Intellectual Functioning
   Baltes, Paul B., Staudinger, Ursula M., Lindenberger, Ulman · 1999 · Annual Review of Psychology
3. The Essential Child: Origins of Essentialism in Everyday Thought
   Gelman, Susan A. · 2003
4. Life Span Theory in Developmental Psychology
   Baltes, Paul B., Lindenberger, Ulman, Staudinger, Ursula M. · 2007 · Handbook of Child Psychology
5. Developing conceptual understanding and procedural skill in mathematics: An iterative process.
   Rittle-Johnson, Bethany, Siegler, Robert S., Alibali, Martha Wagner · 2001 · Journal of Educational Psychology

See all 682