Integrating Developmental Theory and Methodology: Using Derivatives to Articulate Change Theories, Models, and Inferences
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| Title: | Integrating Developmental Theory and Methodology: Using Derivatives to Articulate Change Theories, Models, and Inferences |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Deboeck, Pascal R., Nicholson, Jody, Kouros, Chrystyna |
| Source: | Applied Developmental Science. 2015 19(4):217-231. |
| Availability: | Psychology Press. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2015 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Inst. of Mental Health (DHHS), Rockville, MD. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (NIH) |
| Contract Number: | T32MH18921 K02MH66249 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Development, Theories, Statistical Analysis, Models, Change, Inferences, Parent Child Relationship, Hierarchical Linear Modeling |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10888691.2015.1021924 |
| ISSN: | 1088-8691 |
| Abstract: | Matching theories about growth, development, and change to appropriate statistical models can present a challenge, which can result in misuse, misinterpretation, and underutilization of different analytical approaches. We discuss the use of "derivatives": the change of a construct with respect to the change in another construct. Derivatives provide a common language linking developmental theory and statistical methods. Conceptualizing change in terms of derivatives allows precise translation of theory into method and highlights commonly overlooked models of change. A wide variety of models can be understood in terms of the level, velocity, and acceleration of constructs: the zeroth, first, and second derivatives, respectively. We introduce the language of derivatives, and highlight the conceptually differing questions that can be addressed in developmental studies. A substantive example is presented to demonstrate how common and unfamiliar statistical methodology can be understood as addressing relations between differing pairs of derivatives. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Number of References: | 40 |
| Entry Date: | 2015 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1078133 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Matching theories about growth, development, and change to appropriate statistical models can present a challenge, which can result in misuse, misinterpretation, and underutilization of different analytical approaches. We discuss the use of "derivatives": the change of a construct with respect to the change in another construct. Derivatives provide a common language linking developmental theory and statistical methods. Conceptualizing change in terms of derivatives allows precise translation of theory into method and highlights commonly overlooked models of change. A wide variety of models can be understood in terms of the level, velocity, and acceleration of constructs: the zeroth, first, and second derivatives, respectively. We introduce the language of derivatives, and highlight the conceptually differing questions that can be addressed in developmental studies. A substantive example is presented to demonstrate how common and unfamiliar statistical methodology can be understood as addressing relations between differing pairs of derivatives. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1088-8691 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10888691.2015.1021924 |
