Child psychology in twelve questions / Paul L. Harris.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Where does love come from? -- How do children learn words? -- Does language change how children think? -- Do children live in a fantasy world? -- Are children natural psychologist? -- Can we trust children's memory? -- Do children understand emotion? -- How do children tell right from wrong? -- Do children trust what they are told? -- Do children believe in magic? -- Is development psychology ethnocentric? -- What have we learned?.

Child psychology as a scientific enterprise is about 100 years old, but while numerous textbooks and practical guides are available, the more meditative questions about the nature of a child's mind are rarely asked. This book explores some of the enduring questions in development psychology: How do children form an attachment to their caregivers? How do they learn words? In their imagination, are they confused or clear-sighted about the difference between fantasy and reality? How do they decide who to trust? In each case, Paul Harris shows why these questions are important, propose likely answers, and explains the uncertainties that persist. He outlines important landmarks, both well known and neglected, and explores broader questions about theories of mind, morality, and cultural differences.