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Looking within: Elevating Black scholarly contributions to empirical approaches in developmental science
Isabelle M Elisha1, Juliana E Karras2, Martin D Ruck3
1Psychology Program, CUNY School of Professional Studies, City University of New York.
The American Psychologist
|June 29, 2023
Summary
Black American scholars developed unique psychological frameworks to understand development, focusing on cultural context and the effects of Blackness. Their work informs diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Science
- Cultural Psychology
Background:
- Black American scholars have historically developed unique conceptual frameworks and research models.
- Their work offers nuanced understandings of psychological development, contrasting with dominant trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight contributions of Black American scholars to developmental science.
- To examine the psychological effects of Blackness on cognition, competence, identity, and social functioning.
- To showcase culturally rooted, ecological methodologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of conceptual frameworks and research models by Black American scholars.
- Examination of psychological effects of contextual and situational factors.
- Analysis of multidisciplinary approaches in developmental science.
Main Results:
- Black scholars' work provides nuanced understandings of psychological development.
- Their research highlights the differential impact of diverse contextual factors.
- Culturally rooted methodologies offer alternative perspectives to dominant trends.
Conclusions:
- Contributions of Black American scholars have significantly advanced developmental science.
- Their research provides tools for ecological, culturally rooted methodologies.
- This work continues to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice efforts.
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