Innovative Use of Pearson's My Virtual Child© Simulation as a Twin Study in Developmental Psychology

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Testing Technology-Based Enhancements and Interventions

Abstract

In this study, 235 developmental psychology students (n=169 female; n=66 male) were assigned the task of raising two virtual twins using Pearson’s My Virtual Child© (n.d.). A parental locus of control pre/post survey was used to determine if students improved in their understanding of parental influence on child/adolescent development. Significant changes were seen overall, as well as when disaggregated by student classification and ethnicity. Results suggest using My Virtual Child© (n.d.) as a twin study improves student understanding of parental influence on human development.

Authors

• Robin Roberson, East Central University

• Andrew J. Kelly, East Central University