| Abstract: | Reviews the book, Anticipating Trends: Comments on Piagetian Research: A Handbook of Recent Studies by Sohan Modgil (1974). Modgil's book "Piagetian Research" reflects the enormous extent to which American psychology has progressively been influenced by Piagetian theory, as recently as the last ten years. Piagetian concepts have manifested themselves in education (curriculum planning), psychopathology, child rearing practices, philosophy and test construction. Modgil aimed his book at the Piagetian researcher who already has a thorough knowledge of Piaget's theories and of Piaget's importance. It is intended to act as a sort of psychological abstracts of Piagetian research, covering original research between 1965 and December 1972 (there are also some references to research appearing as late as August 1973). As such it is an invaluable reference book. The 12 chapters of the book cover work either in the area of cognitive development or work directly related to Piaget's theory (e.g. chapter 11: Personality, socialization and emotionality related to Piaget's theory). Modgil gives a skimpy review of the range of recent studies at the beginning of each chapter. The bibliography alone (over 1500 references) makes the book a valuable source of information (65% of the references date from 1965 on). The book would appear to be highly useful to the Piagetian researcher who wants to get a quick idea of the relevant literature in his particular area or of related areas. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
