1-120 - Strengthening Developmental Science with the Use of Innovative Methods

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

As part of this multidisciplinary symposium, a group of psychologists, economists, and education specialists demonstrate how the use of innovative statistical techniques can elucidate important findings and, thereby, move the field forward. Although the symposium’s three papers each stand alone, all directly relate to the symposium’s larger focus. Given that convenience samples are common in developmental science, the first study uses computer simulations to show how researchers can limit a key disadvantage of convenience samples – namely, poor generalizability – by intentionally limiting their convenience samples (and sampling frame) to specific sociodemographic subgroups. These findings suggest that the field should revise its “standards of practice” regarding designing, collecting, and utilizing convenience samples. The second study, which uses multi-level, piece-wise growth modeling to examine Kindergarten–8th grade growth in externalizing subconstructs, shows that the developmental progression of externalizing varies greatly by both subconstruct (impulsivity versus covert aggression) and informant (parent versus teacher). Although it is common within developmental science to examine growth of a higher-order construct (externalizing, internalizing, etc.) while ignoring both informant effects and the growth of its subconstructs, these findings underscore the importance of examining informant and subconstruct heterogeneity in the growth of children’s behaviors. Finally, addressing a current topic of national discussion, the third paper uses fixed-effects OLS regression to show that Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice, as taught during Kindergarten, predict 5th grade achievement. To facilitate the discussion and integration of the studies’ findings, the symposium’s discussant, a senior scholar, will highlight implications and future directions.

Sub Unit

• Methods, History, Theory

Chair

• Justin Jager, Arizona State University

Discussant

• Pamela Davis-Kean, University of Michigan

Individual Presentations

• More than just convenient: The scientific merits of homogenous convenience samples - Presenting Author: Justin Jager, Arizona State University; Ray Reichenberg, Arizona State University; Diane Leach Putnick, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); Marc H Bornstein, National Institutes of Health

• Mapping growth of heterogeneous externalizing constructs across childhood and adolescence: Comparing parent and teacher ratings - Presenting Author: Sheryl L Olson, 10Charge; Pamela Davis-Kean, University of Michigan; Meichu Chen, University of Michigan; Jennifer E Lansford, Duke University; John E Bates, Indiana University, Bloomington; Gregory S Pettit, Auburn University; Kenneth A Dodge, Duke University

• Early math skills and later achievement: Which kindergarten common core domains most predict fifth grade math achievement? - Presenting Author: Tyler W. Watts, University of California, Irvine; Greg J Duncan, University of California, Irvine; Douglas H Clements, University of Denver; Julie Sarama, [email protected]; Christopher B Wolfe, Indiana University Kokomo; Mary Elaine Spitler, State University of New York (SUNY)