By examining the maturational and environmental variables of childhood, this text provides cogent insight into the pro- cesses of psychological growth and sociali- zation. Early environmental factors, the parental milieu, and typical learning situations are described and their prospec- tive influence on adolescent development and adulthood is assessed. Various approaches to developmental topics, including sex-roles, physical contact, parental love, sleep, toilet training, and play are analyzed. Physical growth and its relation to psychological development, methods of learning, and the effects of reward and punishment are described.

The most significant developmental theories are critically evaluated with regard to their educational practicality and their usefulness for obtaining further knowledge of the developmental process. The theories of Binet, Freud, Watson, and Piaget are carefully examined. By a comp- rehensive overview of maturation, parent- ing, teaching and testing, this work will provide students of human development with an increased understanding of mental growth and the socialization process.