This is the first in a series of four books which form part of the Open University course Child Development. They provide a detailed and thorough undergraduate-level introduction to the central concepts, theories, current issues and research evidence in developmental psychology.

These books assume no previous knowledge of the field and encourage the reader's active involvement, especially through the use of activities. Examples drawn from case-studies, psychological research and practice stimulate critical appreciation of the issues covered. Selected short readings accompany the...