1.5: Being a Smart Consumer of Information About Development

Learning Objectives

1. Evaluate the credibility of sources.
2. Identify and avoid common misconceptions.
3. Apply evidence-based practices to make informed decisions about sources of information on child growth and development.

As students of child development, it is crucial to recognize that not all information is reliable and that not all sources are created equally. With a wealth of resources available—ranging from academic journals to social media posts—it is essential to develop skills in evaluating information critically. Being a smart consumer of developmental research involves knowing where information comes from, thinking critically about claims, recognizing biases, and avoiding overgeneralization. These skills will help ensure that the knowledge you gain is accurate, evidence-based, and applicable to real-world situations.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\). Focused young woman. Image by Liza Summer is licensed CC0.

Evaluating the Quality of Sources

Not all information about child development is backed by science. While some sources—such as peer-reviewed journal articles, government publications, and reports from reputable organizations—undergo rigorous review, others may be based on opinions or outdated research. When evaluating a source, ask yourself:

• Who is the author? Look for experts in child development, psychology, or education.
• Is the source credible? Reliable sources include universities, government agencies (e.g., the CDC or APA), and peer-reviewed journals.
• Is the information recent? Child development research evolves, so prioritize sources published in the last 5–10 years unless it is in reference to the original work (e.g., a theory, methodology, etc)
• Does the source provide evidence? Look for citations, references, or links to supporting research.

Key Tip: Avoid relying on personal blogs, social media posts, or articles without citations. If a source makes a strong claim but does not back it up with research, be skeptical (American Psychological Association [APA], 2020).

Thinking Critically About Information

Critical thinking means not taking information at face value. Instead of automatically accepting something as true, ask questions and look for evidence. A few key strategies include:

• Check for bias: Is the source trying to persuade rather than inform? Does it ignore opposing viewpoints?
• Look at multiple sources: A single study does not establish a fact—look for patterns across different studies.
• Be cautious with correlations: Just because two things happen together (e.g., increased screen time and lower test scores) does not mean one causes the other.

Key Tip: When reading research, pay attention to how the study was conducted. Well-designed studies use large, diverse samples and rigorous methods (Santrock, 2021).

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\). Black, white and brown chess board game. Image is licensed CC0.

Avoiding Perceptual Bias

Our brains tend to seek out information that confirms what we already believe. This is called confirmation bias—the tendency to focus on evidence that supports our views while ignoring contradictory information. Another common bias is availability bias, where we assume something is more common or important because we can easily recall examples.

For example, if you’ve seen several social media posts about children developing autism after vaccinations, you might mistakenly believe there is a connection, even though extensive research has disproven this claim (Myers & Pineda, 2020).

Key Tip: Challenge yourself to read and consider perspectives that differ from your own. A well-rounded understanding of child development comes from analyzing multiple viewpoints, even those that challenge your beliefs.

Resist the Urge to Generalize

While research provides insights into patterns of child development, no single study applies to all children. Development is influenced by genetics, culture, environment, and individual differences. Consider the following:

• Norms are not absolutes: Milestones (like walking at 12 months) are general guidelines, but some children develop faster or slower.
• Cultural differences matter: Parenting styles, education, and daily routines vary widely across cultures, affecting developmental outcomes.
• Children are individuals: Even within the same family, siblings can develop at different rates.

Key Tip: When learning about developmental milestones, think in terms of ranges rather than fixed ages. Keep in mind that "normal" development looks different across cultures (Rogoff, 2016).

References, Contributors, and Attributions

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).

Myers, D. G., & Pineda, M. (2020). Psychology in everyday life (5th ed.). Worth Publishers.

Rogoff, B. (2016). Culture and development: A perspective on human development. Oxford University Press.

Santrock, J. W. (2021). Children (14th ed.). McGraw Hill.