Conducting Infant Research in the International Competition: Its Significances and Challenges

Abstract

When we consider a significance of international research outcomes, it depends on individual thoughts and there may be various motivations and reasons. Some researchers may advocate the uniqueness of Japanese children, other researchers may suggest the cultural difference. However, the authors have continued to submit our own studies to international journals based on the simple motivation to survive against international competition. First, we review our international infant studies which we have submitted to international journals. Specifically, we introduce empirical experiments of social cognitive development that investigate understanding others, moral/prosocial behaviors, and social learning in early infancy. Then, we discuss the personal significance and its challenge of international research outcomes, which we have acquired in the process of international competition, and then think about the future of Japanese developmental psychology.