Basic information about the development of an individual

The Development of an Individual

Growth Trends

Directions of Development or Growth Trends

1.  Cephalo-caudal

The Cepahlo-caudal or from head to foot direction of development as for example in the development of the fetus, the head develops before the legs assume their final form.  Then after birth, the head is proportionately bigger then the lower extremities, but later the lower extremities will be proportional the head region.

2.  Proximo-distal

The proximo-distal or from a centax-outward direction of development is where the central parts of the body mature earlier the becoming functional before those toward the periphery.  This is shown in the use of trunk and shoulder region when a child tries to grasp objects.  The shoulders develop before the arms and the hands, the palm develop before the fingers.

Techniques, Methods and Instruments used in Studying Children

1.  Longitudinal Method

The Longitudinal Method studies an individual or a group of children for a certain period of time.  These same groups of selected children are observed repeatedly over an extended period of time. It may start from the conception period of ten years.  Recorded observations and test results are necessary.  These observations and test may be done daily, weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or annually.

2.  Cross-Sectional Method

The Cross-Sectional Method is the investigator administers test or battery of test all at once to children of different ages.  (In this case, not the same children are used to take series of test repeatedly).  Tthe children of different chronological ages of mental ages or grade placements ages take the test at the time.  Comparisons of the performances of the children of different ages, chronological ages, mental age, grade placement age or a combination of these ages are made.

3.  Restrospective Method

The Restrospective Method is the special method thereby parents or other significant adults (such as teachers) are asked to recollect events from some past-time concerning some individual.  It may be taken into account though that recollections and memories may be distorted or incomplete.