The purpose of this brief note is to offer a critical commentary of recent attempts by adult-cognitive developmentalists to conduct more meaningful, ecologically-valid research. Emerging illustrative efforts to develop cohort- and contextually-relevant instruments for assessing competence, intelligence, personality, problem-solving, and categorization skills are noted. Specifically, these efforts are criticized for assuming that ecological validity is assured primarily at the level of measures, and that the inclusion of familiar test stimuli and everyday situations within such measures necessarily constitutes more ecologically-valid inquiry. It is concluded that it is dangerous to consider ecological instantiation as synonymous with ecological validity, and that researchers will benefit by considering the implications of the multiple meanings of ecological validity for their own particular conceptual and operational pursuits.

Keywords:
Cognitive development, Ecological factors, Intelligence measures, Validity
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1981 S. Karger AG, Basel
1981
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.