Abstract
This chapter discusses issues related to the methodology of developmental research from the perspective of cultural-historical theory (Vygotsky). The target question is how the video recording as a research instrument can become a valid and efficient part of genetic research methodology. Experimental-genetical method is based on understanding development as a complex process of qualitative changes. Its essence is to restore in specially created artificial experimental conditions and settings the entire process of qualitative change in developmental transitions from “buds” to “flowers” and then to “fruits”.
This means that the experimental study makes the process of development accessible for direct observation. In such an experiment, the development happens literally before the researcher’s eyes. Yet, eyes are not always the reliable tool. In this respect the video recording obtains an exclusively important role and place. Video recording of the qualitative changes and transitions in mental development makes possible to analyse the process of development in its dynamics and complexity. Genetic research methodology requires a reconsideration of video recording as a research instrument.
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Notes
- 1.
An example of such debate could be found in recently published issue of Theory & Psychology Journal (2011), 21(2).
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- 3.
According to Vygotsky’s concept “…the zone of proximal development defines those functions that have not yet matured but are in the process of maturation, functions that will mature tomorrow but are currently in an embryonic state.” (Vygotsky 1935, p. 42)
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Категория (Vygotsky 1983, p. 145).
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Acknowledgements
Kajaani Research Consortium and Centre for Developmental Learning and Teaching (Kajaani, Finland) provided funds and equipment which made this study possible. I am grateful to my colleagues Pentti Hakkarainen and Milda Bredikyte (Finland), Marilyn Fleer and her team (Australia), Vera Tsybulia, Ludmila Obukhova and Tatiana Akhutina (Russia), Myra Barrs (the United Kingdom), Katarina Rodina (Norway), Jaan Valsiner and Mohamed Elhammoumi (USA), Laure Kloetzer (France) and Michalis Kontopodis (the Netherlands) for valuable discussions and critical feedbacks. I thank Aili Helenius (Finland) and Ana Marjanovic-Shane (USA) for providing video-data and fruitful discussions. I thank all participants and professors of ISCAR Summer University for Ph.D. students (2011) for their interest and support. I address special thanks to Steve Gabosch (USA) for his suggestions on improving this text and making my English understandable.
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Veresov, N. (2014). Refocusing the Lens on Development: Towards Genetic Research Methodology. In: Fleer, M., Ridgway, A. (eds) Visual Methodologies and Digital Tools for Researching with Young Children. International perspectives on early childhood education and development, vol 10. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01469-2_8
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