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. |
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| Authors: | Deboeck, Pascal R. (AUTHOR), Nicholson, Jody (AUTHOR), Kouros, Chrystyna (AUTHOR), Little, Todd D. (AUTHOR), Garber, Judy (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Applied Developmental Science. Oct-Dec2015, Vol. 19 Issue 4, p217-231. 15p. 1 Diagram, 6 Charts, 3 Graphs. |
| Subjects: | Developmental psychology, Articulation (Speech), Theory of change, Inference (Logic), Statistics |
| 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 ofderivatives: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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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 ofderivatives: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10888691 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10888691.2015.1021924 |
