Within each chapter of this innovative, topical text, the authors engage students by demonstrating the wide range of real-world applications of psychological research to child development. In particular, the distinctive 'Active Learning' features incorporated throughout the book foster a dynamic and personal learning process for students. The authors cover the latest topics shaping the field of child development - including a focus on neuroscience, diversity, and culture - without losing the interest of undergraduate students. The pedagogical features in this text and the accompanying ancillaries package help students discover the excitement of studying child development, enhance their learning, and equip them with tools they can use long after the class ends. Key features: compels students to consider their beliefs about child development - especially in terms of what they may think is 'right' with Test Your Knowledge true/false assessments found at the beginning of each chapter; distinctive 'Active Learning' activities throughout each chapter solidifies students' knowledge by connecting their personal experiences to the materials presented in the book; and, 'The Journey of Research' features provide the historical context for important topics in development. This helps students understand that our ideas in developmental science change as our knowledge grows.