This introductory textbook seeks to serve as a straightforward overview of the subject. Its opening section orients the reader to the ways in which psychologists study developmental processes and surveys the biological and evolutionary background of behavioural development. The bonding of parent and child, the development of sex differences, friendship, play and the impact of television on children are some of the topics covered in chapters on social and moral development. "Understanding Child Development" also reviews perception, the development of language and reading skills, and cognitive development more generally. Emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of different kinds of psychological research, the authors give a vivid sense of developmental psychology by describing in each chapter two particularly important and revealing case studies. They include ideas for classroom discussion and examples of practical exercises students might carry out. The book is aimed at introductory students of psychology from sixth-form upwards (JMB & AEB syllabuses), trainee teachers, social workers, occupational therapists and nurses.