Plotting Developmental Pathways: Methods, Measures, Models, and Madness
Describes experiences gained as a researcher in the Carolina Longitudinal Study, a multimethod, annual assessment of aggression among two cohorts of 695 NC youth initially sampled in grades 4 & 7 & its relation to later problems in living. Theoretical & methodological shortcomings identified in earlier longitudinal studies are described, along with attempts to ameliorate these in the Carolina study; persistent types of "madness" that plague longitudinal research are identified. Stages & strategies in the research design, pilot testing, sample selection, & study initiation in 8 public elementary & middle schools in rural & suburban areas are recounted. Lessons learned about developmental research in general are summarized, along with some specific insights regarding & the dynamic & changing course of individual life trajectories as a function of larger social influences; implications for attempting to predict across generations are considered. 2 Appendixes, 22 References. K. Hyatt Stewart