Distinguishes between two types of explanation of epigenesis, predetermined and probabilistic, and proposes that the second type is more scientifically useful. (SS)

Discusses the legitimacy of the use of multiple definitions of epigenesis in developmental psychology, and of the modification of biological models to suit developmental psychology. (Author/SS)

Evaluates the differing perspectives of Kohlberg and Turiel on moral reasoning. Both perspectives use stage displacement models to depict moral development and assume that as ontogenesis proceeds, the role played by earleir acquired moral stages becomes increasingly insignificant in comparison with the role played by more advanced stages. The…

Interviews with adolescents revealed that they have a complex "divided metaphysics" of subjectivity, based on a dualistic view of reality versus appearance. Certain conceptual methodological issues surrounding research into self identity are discussed. (Author/DB)

Philosophical tendencies in Kohlberg's cognitive-developmental theory of moral development such as apriorism, absolutism and formalism are unfavorably contrasted with the dialectical categories of historicism, double interactionism and reflection. In logic and epistemology the cognitive-developmental theory is shown to be based on a subjective…

Argues that recent emphasis in second-language research has been on the communication situation of the language learner and on the features of input and individual differences in learning style that affect how the interlanguage develops. Suggests that research is needed on the interaction of situational and personal variables. (MP)

Discusses problems involved in testing Piaget's hypothesis of topological primacy in representational space by copying geometric figures. (Author/SS)

Argues that developmental psychology can profit by incorporating ideas from recent philosophies of knowledge. Delineates three "families" of philosophies of knowledge: the contemporary German critical-theoretical thinking of Holzkamp and Habermas; postmodern French thought; and North American multiple-voices approaches that emphasize the…

Notes alternative visions of the relationship between developmental psychology and three theoretical approaches described by Teo. Highlights four such visions: positivism or exclusivism, which rejects alternate viewpoints; inclusivism, which assimilates elements of alternate viewpoints; detachment or relativism, which sees different viewpoints as…

Recognizes some of the limitations of the field of behavioral genetics, but argues that the methods employed in multivariate behavior genetics and developmental behavior genetics have become the dominant paradigms in the field. (MDM)

Supports Gottlieb's conclusion that developmental behavior genetics is unsuitable for analyzing developmental coactional processes because it does not concern itself with mechanisms through which genotypes are transformed into phenotypes. But maintains that modern behavior genetics provides an indispensable tool to analyze nonlinear epigenetic…

Researchers concerned with the issue of children's play are urged to read the book "Children's Play: Current Theory and Research" edited by D. J. Pepler and K. H. Rubin which provides an up-to-date review of the conceptual, methodological and developmental issues related to children's play. (MP)

Criticizes the application of the statistical procedures of the population-genetic approach within evolutionary biology to the study of psychological development. Argues that the application of the statistical methods of population genetics--primarily the analysis of variance--to the causes of psychological development is bound to result in a…

Argues that Gottlieb rejects population sampling and statistical analyses of distributions as he proposes that his experimental brand of mechanistic science is the only legitimate approach to developmental research. Maintains that Gottlieb exaggerates developmental uncertainty, based on his own research with extreme environmental manipulations.…

Argues that a truly developmental behavior genetics will have to go beyond the traditional quantitative approach of population genetics in order to produce developmental explanatory content about differences and similarities in developmental outcomes. (MDM)