Developmental science rests on describing, explaining, and optimizing intraindividual changes and, hence, empirically requires longitudinal research. Problems of missing data arise in most longitudinal studies, thus creating challenges for interpreting the substance and structure of intraindividual change. Using a sample of reports of longitudinal…

Suggests that the findings of Legerstee, Barna, and DiAdamo (2000) are most parsimoniously explained by associative learning and may not constitute a precursor to later understanding of intentionality. Argues for the importance of differentiating between associative and inferential processes and reviews evidence that the understanding of…

Analyzes the logical basis of testing developmental order hypotheses with categorical measures. Argues that depending on whether saltatory or continuous developmental changes are being assessed, the observed relationship between categorical measures yields different types of information about developmental ordering. Maintains that when change is…

Suggests that testing developmental ordering hypotheses is difficult because rare use of ratio scales prevents direct comparison of measures. Demonstrates that the observed data pattern is constrained by the underlying relationship--although observed data pattern may not reflect the exact relationship, it limits possible relationships. Shows the…

Reviews the six cross-cultural research articles in this issue. The articles document diverse environments of child development; explore universality and variation in mothers' and children's behavior; and delineate relationships between culture, parental behavior, and developmental outcomes. A strength of the research is its collection of…

This article provides a history of the data set known as "the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY)." Promising research agendas that use the data set are described. These agendas concern maternal employment and child care, adolescent pregnancy and parenthood, divorce, poverty, and multigenerational parenting. (BC)

Examined effects of early parental employment on children, using data from National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. Found that more work hours were associated with slightly lower cognitive development through age 9 and lower academic achievement before age 7, but not with behavior problems, compliance, or self-esteem. Early parental employment was…