The expert views
About this section
The collection of articles, videos, photos and audio exploring child development has been made possible by a partnership between the British Psychological Society and The Open University Child and Youth Studies Group.
Find out more about child development with our expert's views:
Starting point
Discover the methods used by the experts in child developmental psychology.
Difference and sameness
As there are more differences within, rather than between, human groups, what does that mean for children growing up with ideas of race?
Brother, sister... friend?
Relationships among children, especially brothers and sisters, affect their development. Explore the impact of siblings.
Right and wrong
Parents usually try to teach their children right from wrong, but how do children learn to regulate their moral behaviour?
Children and happiness
What makes children happy? Toys? Friends? Uncover the truth in children and happiness.
Course extract: temperament
A final extract from ED209 Child Development asks how far do differences in character affect the way we develop? Consider the influence of temperament.
Course extract: attachments
Another extract from OU Course Child Development asks why do people and objects achieve great importance as we grow up? Explore attachment theory.
Do children notice?
Do young children have an innate sense of difference? How and when do children become aware of ethnicity?
What happens next
How much weight we should give to media scare stories? Discover the impact of cause and effect in a child’s development.
Boys & girls
Children as young as two can have stereotypical ideas about boys and girls. Where do these ideas come from? What influences gender development?
The music of childhood
Children experience music from a very early age. How do they react to it? What shapes their musical preferences? For young children, what is the significance of music?
Who do you think you are?
A sense of self cannot be achieved in one go - it’s something which develops. Ask the question what is 'self'?Please wait while loading. You must have JavaScript enabled to view star ratings.


