In 2007, I embarked on a PhD study to explore diverse students' experiences, representations and understandings of personal development and personal development planning at one British university. The timing of this project was critical because universities were charged with a responsibility to provide opportunities for students to engage with…

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…

Introduces the "person approach" to the study of adolescence, and discusses the consequences of the approach for theoretical thinking and research methodology. Reviews major types of pattern-based methods used for carrying out a person approach and discusses methodological challenges for adolescent research, including interindividual…