2020 Volume 31 Issue 4 Pages 190-200
We examined how new computer technologies influence the methodologies of developmental psychology. Focusing on sensor-based activity-recognition technology, we divided previous studies into two categories: those that focused on “places” where sensors were placed (on the human body or in the environment) and those that focused on a “research goal.” The research goal category was further divided into two subcategories: (i) constructing a developmental theory or model for explaining the developmental process and (ii) supporting child rearing and caring. Using this categorization, we reviewed previous studies that focused on children's behavioral development processes using sensors. The problems of adopting sensing technologies included the following: (i) recognition inaccuracies, (ii) temptation to use all available sensors without deep consideration, (iii) lack of participants'privacy, and (iv) risk of sensor data affecting the direction of educational practice. The advantages of using these technologies include the following: (i) enhanced understanding of the impact of children's everyday experiences on their developmental process, (ii) new possibilities for research on children's activities that are difficult to observe, and (iii) prompt feedback to the participants.
