For courses in Child Development that take a chronological approach Laura Berk’s most concise child development text! Exploring Child and Adolescent Development provides students with a clear, efficient survey of the most important concepts and research findings in the field of child development. In just 12 chapters, Berk makes classic, contemporary, and cutting-edge theories and research accessible in a manageable and relevant way, with an especially strong emphasis on real-world applications and an exceptional multicultural and cross-cultural focus. Chronologically organized, the text offers a complete introduction to the field, highlighting the most important concepts and research findings. This combination of rich content with concise presentation offers instructors unparalleled flexibility in designing their courses to meet both curricular and student needs. Available as a standalone text or via Revel™ Revel is Pearson’s newest, fully digital method of delivering course content. A less expensive alternative to the printed textbook, Revel is an immersive learning environment that enables students to read, practice, and study in one continuous experience.

Table of Contents:
PART I – THEORY AND RESEARCH IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT 1. History, Theory, and Research Strategies The Field of Child Development Basic Issues Scientific Beginnings Mid-Twentieth-Century Theories Recent Theoretical Perspectives Comparing Theories Studying Development PART II – FOUNDATIONS OF DEVELOPMENT 2. Genetic and Environmental Foundations Genetic Foundations Reproductive Choices Environmental Contexts for Development Understanding the Relationship Between Heredity and Environment 3. Prenatal Development, Birth, and the Newborn Baby Prenatal Development Prenatal Environmental Influences Childbirth Approaches to Childbirth Medical Interventions Preterm and Low-Birth-Weight Infants Preterm versus Small-for-Date Infants The Newborn Baby’s Capacities Adjusting to the New Family Unit PART III – INFANCY AND TODDLERHOOD: THE FIRST TWO YEARS 4. Physical Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood Body Growth Brain Development Influences on Early Physical Growth Learning Capacities Motor Development Perceptual Development 5. Cognitive Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood Piaget’s Cognitive-Developmental Theory Information Processing The Social Context of Early Cognitive Development Individual Differences in Early Mental Development Language Development 6. Emotional and Social Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood Erikson’s Theory of Infant and Toddler Personality Emotional Development Temperament and Development Development of Attachment Self-Development PART IV – EARLY CHILDHOOD: TWO TO SIX YEARS 7. Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT A Changing Body and Brain Influences on Physical Growth and Health Motor Development COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT Piaget’s Theory: The Preoperational Stage Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory Information Processing Individual Differences in Mental Development Language Development 8. Emotional and Social Development in Early Childhood Erikson’s Theory: Initiative versus Guilt Self-Understanding Emotional Development Peer Relations Foundations of Morality Gender Typing Child Rearing and Emotional and Social Development PART V – MIDDLE CHILDHOOD: SIX TO ELEVEN YEARS 9. Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Body Growth Health Issues Motor Development and Play COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT Piaget’s Theory: The Concrete Operational Stage Information Processing Individual Differences in Mental Development Language Development Learning in School 10. Emotional and Social Development in Middle Childhood Erikson’s Theory: Industry versus Inferiority Self-Understanding Emotional Development Moral Development Peer Relations Gender Typing Family Influences Some Common Problems of Development PART VI – ADOLESCENCE: THE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD 11. Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Conceptions of Adolescence Puberty: The Physical Transition to Adulthood The Psychological Impact of Pubertal Events Health Issues COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT Piaget’s Theory: The Formal Operational Stage An Information-Processing View of Adolescent Cognitive Development Consequences of Adolescent Cognitive Changes Sex Differences in Mental Abilities Learning in School 12. Emotional and Social Development in Adolescence Erikson’s Theory: Identity versus Role Confusion Self-Understanding Moral Development The Family Peer Relations Problems of Development At the Threshold