Research On Human Development

Robert Fettgather holds a Ph.D in Psychology and Masters degrees in both Psychology and Special Education and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from West Valley College. Robert Fettgather has served as Special Consultant in psychometrics to the Departments of Education and Developmental Disabilities for the State of California. He holds a specialist credential in learning handicapped and community college credentials in both psychology and developmental disabilities.

The goal of scientists who study human development is to produce observations and explanations that can be applied to a wide an age range of human beings. Additionally, they study cultural expectations; make predictions about development and use the scientific methods to test them.  Ideally, research findings can be used to positively influence development in individuals. Sometimes findings are compromised with various forms of bias. 

Descriptive research methods are used to study the relationship between variables. Case studies are in-depth examinations of single individuals. The naturalistic observation is a research tool in which a subject is observed in its natural habitat without any manipulation by the observer. 

Surveys collect data about attitudes, interests, values, and various kinds of behavior. Simply put, a survey consists of a predetermined set of questions that is given to a sample. With a representative sample (one that is representative of the larger population of interest), researchers can describe the attitudes of the population from which the sample was drawn. But polls and surveys can be quite inaccurate- note the problems with political polls and the 2016 election when pollsters got the whole thing wrong! 

Correlational studies measure the relationship between variables. To test causal hypotheses, experimental designs in which subjects are assigned randomly to experimental or control groups are necessary. A key to experiments is the independent variable- the variable that is manipulated by the researcher. The dependent variable is the response that is measured.

There are three options for studying age-related change: a cross-sectional design to study different groups of people of different ages; a longitudinal design to study the same people over a period of time; and a sequential design to combine cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. 

Cross-cultural psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes under diverse cultural conditions. The two primary goals of cross-cultural research are to identify universal changes that cross cultures and to gain information that will help improve people's lives.

Critical thinking can help uncover potential bias that complicates research. Bias is a predisposition or prejudice toward something. For example, we discussed sampling- a sampling bias occurs when the sample is not representative of the general population. Selection bias occurs when the participants in the sample are not equally and fairly selected for both the experimental and control groups; this renders any results from the experiment almost meaningless. An example of response bias occurs when only highly motivated people return a survey. When this happens, the resulting data is biased toward those with the motivation to answer and submit the survey, and is therefore not representative of the population as a whole. Researcher bias is a misrepresentation, intentional or not, of the data.

 

Tricks Of Brain And Eye

 

Robert Fettgather, Ph.D holds a Ph.D in Psychology and Masters degrees in both Psychology and Special Education and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from West Valley College. Dr. Fettgather has served as Special Consultant in psychometrics to the Departments of Education and Developmental Disabilities for the State of California. He holds a specialist credential in learning handicapped and community college credentials in both psychology and developmental disabilities. The Institute for Personality and Ability Testing has certified Dr. Fettgather as a Stress Management Trainer, and Medical Hypnosis Seminars of the Los Gatos Institute has certified him in Clinical Hypnotherapy.

Optical illusions are fascinating visual deceptions that trick our brains and make us perceive the world differently than we might otherwise. These illusions are brought about by the way our eyes and brain interact with each other, sometimes producing shape, size, color, or motion distortions. Optical illusions may be associated with entertainment (think of the last magic trick that stumped you) and artwork (the renderings of Escher come to mind). Of course, these illusions can be seen and appreciated in architecture, design, psychology, and even safety procedures (more on this later).

Optical illusions happen due to the complex relationship between the eyes and the brain. You see our brain interprets visual information based on previous experience, expectation, and surrounding context. For example, a sense of distance is introduced by the converging lines of the road above- The Ponzo Illusion. This sometimes can also lead to misinterpretation, causing us to see things that do not exist or distort objects. Misinterpretation can be annoying but sometimes quite interesting!

What about other illusions in everyday life?

Optical illusions are used by interior designers and architects to decorate environments. Mirrors, for instance, can generate the impression of a larger space, whereas illumination and designs may modify the eye perception of building size and shape. Trompe-l'œil, or an art form that creates three-dimensional visual depth on a flat surface, is also applied to home decor.

Here is that safety point foreshadowed above: Optical illusions are employed in road making to promote safety. A case in point is speed bumps painted with a 3D effect to create the illusion of rising, which will cause drivers to slow down. Pedestrian crossings also use illusions to create the illusion of floating blocks so that they appear more visible to drivers who then apply the brakes.

Optical illusions are not so much a cunning trick—they're part of how we perceive and make sense of the world. From art to road safety and psychology, these illusions are all around us. Not only do they increase our appreciation of mechanisms in of brain and eye, but they also enable us to make more informed and creative decisions in fields such as design, safety, and marketing. As technology develops, the application of optical illusions in virtual reality and digital media will grow, presenting opportunity and challenges on the path forward.

The Legacy Of Satchel Paige

Robert Fettgather's writings have been published in the Transactional Analysis Journal (Translated to French per the Centre Pour La Formationet L'intervention Psycho-Sociologiques), Voices: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy, and Lifelong Learning. He is a adjunct professor of psychology at Mission College. Robert Fettgather is also a baseball fan.

Some baseball lore seems almost impossible to believe. But the legacy of this pitcher is quite true and important to the game.

Leroy “Satchel” Paige is one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of American baseball. Born in 1906 in Mobile, Alabama, Paige's career spanned five decades and broke significant barriers in the world of sports, particularly for African Americans. He was a pitcher known not only for his extraordinary talent but also for his charismatic personality, his showmanship, and his incredible longevity. Despite the obstacles he faced due to segregation and racial discrimination, Paige left an indelible mark on baseball, both in the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball (MLB). 

Paige was in some ways "bigger than life". He was not only a great pitcher, but also a charismatic and entertaining personality. He drew large crowds wherever he went, even participating in barnstorming tours, where he would pitch against major league players in exhibition games. These barnstorming tours were significant because they allowed Paige to showcase his talent against white players, many of whom openly admitted that he was among the best pitchers in the world, regardless of race. These games demonstrated that the talent gap between the Negro Leagues and the major leagues was nonexistent, but the racial barrier was firmly in place.

Paige’s popularity transcended the baseball diamond. He often engaged with fans, making witty remarks and providing colorful commentary on the game. One of his most famous quotes, "Don't look back, something might be gaining on you," became a metaphor for his approach to life—always moving forward, never dwelling on the past. His larger-than-life personality endeared him to fans of all races, and his popularity laid the groundwork for the eventual integration of Major League Baseball.

Satchel Paige’s career defied conventional notions of athletic peak and decline. While most pitchers retire in their 30s, Paige pitched well into his 40s and even made an appearance in the major leagues at the age of 59, in 1965, for the Kansas City Athletics. His longevity, along with his enduring skill, made him a marvel in the world of sports.

Paige's legacy extends far beyond his statistics, which are difficult to fully capture due to the lack of complete records from the Negro Leagues. However, his contributions to baseball are immeasurable. He became an ambassador for the sport, bridging the gap between the Negro Leagues and the major leagues, and inspiring future generations of Black athletes. His success helped pave the way for the full integration of baseball and the eventual recognition of Negro League players in the Baseball Hall of Fame, where Paige was inducted in 1971.

In Praise Of Fall

Robert Fettgather holds a Ph.D in Psychology and Masters degrees in both Psychology and Special Education and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from West Valley College. Robert Fettgather has served as Special Consultant in psychometrics to the Departments of Education and Developmental Disabilities for the State of California. He holds a specialist credential in learning handicapped and community college credentials in both psychology and developmental disabilities. The Institute for Personality and Ability Testing has certified Robert Fettgather as a Stress Management Trainer, and Medical Hypnosis Seminars of the Los Gatos Institute has certified him in Clinical Hypnotherapy. 

As the warmth of summer begins to fade and the air turns crisp, fall arrives with a quiet grace, bringing with it a unique charm and beauty that captures the imagination. It is a season of transformation, a time when nature dons a cloak of those seasonal colors. The pace of life seems to slow, inviting us to reflect, gather, and savor the moment. Fall is more than just a transition from the heat of summer to the cold of winter—it is a celebration.

Trees that were once lush and green explode into a symphony of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. This vibrant display, created as trees prepare for winter by shedding their leaves, is nature’s final flourish before the stillness of winter. The sight of these changing leaves, whether in a dense forest or lining a quiet street, evokes a sense of celebration and wonder. Fall’s beauty is not limited to the trees alone. The season brings a golden light that bathes the world in a warm autumn glow...so very beautiful.

There is reflection. In fact, the reflective quality of fall can also bring a sense of renewal. The shedding of leaves symbolizes the letting go of what no longer serves us, making space for new growth in the future. Just as nature prepares for the dormancy of winter, we, too, can use this time to clear out the clutter in our minds, homes, and hearts. It is a time to shed old habits, embrace new perspectives, and reconnect with what truly matters. there may be something healing in the act of letting go.

While fall can be a time of solitude and reflection, it is also a season that brings people together. With its association with harvest, fall has long been a time of gathering and celebration. From festivals to family dinners, the season offers countless opportunities to come together with loved ones and share in the abundance of the earth. One of the most iconic symbols of fall is Thanksgiving, a holiday that centers on gratitude and togetherness. The warmth of a home filled with family, friends, and delicious food reflects the spirit of the season—one of connection, generosity, and gratitude for the simple pleasures of life.

Fall is a season of quiet magic, a time when the world slows down, and we are invited to do the same. It is a season that dazzles us with its beauty, comforts us with its warmth, and challenges us to reflect on the passage of time and the cycles of life. As the leaves change and the days grow shorter, fall reminds us to appreciate the richness of the present moment and the connections we share with others. In praising fall, we celebrate not just the physical beauty of the season but also the deeper sense of renewal, reflection, and community that it brings. It is a season that encourages us to let go of what no longer serves us, to gather with those we love: The deepest of celebrations.