This paper introduces and exemplifies a qualitative method for studying learning, "microgenetic learning analysis" (MLA), which is aimed jointly at developing theory and at establishing useful empirical results. Among modern methodologies, the focus on theory is somewhat distinctive. We use two strategies to describe MLA. First, we develop a…

Misunderstandings of African-American infant attachments are likely if evaluative standards derived from infant caregiving in traditional white middle-class culture and an external point of view are employed. An exploratory study involving 37 African-American infants found that they had between 2 and 5 primary adult caregivers, as well as a larger…

This review argues that an hypothesis about longitudinal development may be derived from, and tested exclusively by, cross-sectional data, when the potential sources of interpretive errors are dealt with adequately. The argument is illustrated by cross-sectional data relevant to developmental mediation theory. (Author/SS)

Determines patterns of differential human development in a longitudinal study of 417 male and 358 female college students ages 18 to 30. Findings suggest individuality in development is associated with significant qualitative individual differences that are best described on a cross-time basis. (BJD)

On the basis of 117 journal articles published between 1973 and 1975, assesses differences in the qualitative nature of comparative studies of normal Afro-American children and normal children from other racial groups. Findings indicate only a small percentage of studies predicted how Afro-American children would differ from the comparison group.…

Five symposium papers evaluate the usefulness of ideas associated with the life-span view for enriching, highlighting, or expanding issues, theory, and research pertinent to change processes during infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and for intervention programs during these periods. (Author/MP)

Identifies three categories of baby diaries--scientific, educational, and domestic--prevalent from the late 18th to late 19th century in Western Europe and the United States. Discusses the diarists and recurring themes in the diaries, such as the nature of instinctive behaviors and recapitulationism. Explores contemporary uses of the diary method.…

Reviews the research methods, design, and main findings of the Austin-Mexico City cross-cultural study of personality and intellectual development using an overlapping longitudinal design. A span of 12 years of development was extrapolated from six years of repeated testing with children ages 6, 9, and 12 years. (SS)