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CDEV 1000 - Theorist/Theory Report

This resource will guide Child Development students on how to research child development theories and theorists.

Databases to Search

The following databases have been identified as potential resources for information on child development theories and theorists.

Finding Articles by Theorist Name

Many times articles will list the name of a person who developed a theory, but may NOT list the specific theory name. 
In cases such as these, you can often find the name of the theory and more by searching for the last name of the theorist along with an additional keyword related to the broad topic area/field in which you are researching (i.e. development*).

 

CheckmarkTIPS TO TRY AS YOU SEARCH!

 

  • Use the Advanced Search within the database and enter keywords in separate search boxes.
  • For words that could have multiple endings (i.e. development, developmental), find the root of the word and add an asterisk as a wild card. I.e. development*
  • If you are finding too many or too random articles in your search, use the drop-down menus to the right or left of ONE of your search boxes and select Abstract.  This will search for that ONE keyword within the Abstract (aka summary) of the article, and significantly narrow and focus your search results.

 

EXAMPLE SEARCHES:
See how the Search Tips above are incorporated into these searches.

 

Search for Bronfenbrenner and development* in EBSCO megafile

 

Advanced search for Piaget and development*.  Search for development* in Abstract field.