ABSTRACT
One of the cornerstones of developmental theory is a recognition of the importance of ecological contexts in shaping the development of children and youth. Advancing our understanding of how ecological contexts affect development requires developmental scientists to employ appropriate measurement and design approaches. However, recent advances in assessing ecological influences are not frequently represented in developmental science research. In this chapter, we briefly review the extant literature on how neighborhood context influences developmental outcomes with an emphasis on how neighborhood effects differ across developmental periods. Methods for assessing neighborhood characteristics are described including secondary data sources, observational methods, and survey methods. We highlight recent innovations in neighborhood assessment methods such as the use of mobile technology and Google Earth. Design and data analysis challenges for studying ecological influences are discussed in depth. The chapter concludes with recommendations of how developmental scientists can incorporate innovative measurement and design approaches into their research to further knowledge of ecological influences on the development of children and youth.
