Studying Children
F04
Sally Sugarman

Infants, children, and adolescents have been studied by means of baby diaries, observations, anecdotal records, time samples, running records, surveys, and interviews. In their pursuit of knowledge about children, researchers have used pencil and paper, movies, videos and computers in controlled or natural settings, in schools and laboratories, on playgrounds and in video arcades. In this course we will consider methods of studying children and read the results of some of those studies. We will also explore the history of child study, looking at the work of pioneers like Hall, Gesell, Piaget, Bower, Coles, and others. Students will also study children directly through a variety of assignments that demonstrate different methodologies. Work will include regular readings, video screenings, and four to five papers, including observations and interviews.