ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief description of some of the professional codes and standards that mental health practitioners are governed by in their practice of working with children and youth. The major governing body responsible for monitoring psychologists in their scientific, educational and professional activities is the American Psychological Association (APA). The chapter then addresses the role of informed consent for adults, guardians and those with adult legal status. The process of conducting psychological research invariably begins with the investigation of some line of inquiry based on a researcher's observations, beliefs and previous information. The chapter focuses on a case study, utilizing Case in Point, to illustrate several of the concepts discussed regarding research procedures, methods and experimental design. There are a number of research designs that are particularly suited to the study of developmental psychopathology, including longitudinal, cross sectional and accelerated longitudinal designs.
