Exemplar Methods and Research

This issue:* Defines and describes exemplar research methods* Provides the case for their importance in revealing aspects of human functioning and its development, which are often neglected within traditional, mainstream psychology and allied disciplines* Gives a glimpse into the growing depth and breadth of exemplar research within and beyond the moral domain* Delivers insight into some of the complex contextual issues that emerge when studying human phenomena from this methodological perspective* Provides critical commentary to help the reader determine the full value and limits of this research approach.This is the 142nd volume in this series. Its mission is to provide scientific and scholarly presentations on cutting edge issues and concepts in child and adolescent development. Each volume focuses on a specific new direction or research topic and is edited by experts in that field.

1. An Introduction to Exemplar Research: A Definition,Rationale, and Conceptual Issues 1Kendall Cotton Bronk, Pamela Ebstyne King, M. Kyle MatsubaThis opening chapter introduces the reader to exemplar researchby highlighting the strength to this methodological approach,raising important conceptual issues when adopting thismethodology,and linking these issues to the subsequent chapters.2. Why a True Account of Human Development Requires ExemplarResearch 13William Damon, Anne ColbyThe authors, trailblazers of the contemporary exemplar method,persuasively argue for an exemplar methodological approach to thestudy of human development, highlighting the problems that mayemerge when researchers neglect this approach.3. Exemplars' Moral Behavior Is Self-Regarding27Lawrence J. WalkerProfessor Walker presents his program of research on moralexemplars revealing important self- and other-promotingmoralmotivational sources behind moral behavior and offers adevelopmental account of how this unfolds.4. Cultural and Contextual Issues in Exemplar Research41Pamela Ebstyne King, Ross A. Oakes Mueller, James FurrowIn this chapter, King and colleagues present some of themethodological complexities in conducting exemplar research invarious cultural contexts, and provide valuable insights into whatresearchers ought to consider before entering the field.5. The Making of an Environmental Activist: A DevelopmentalPsychological Perspective 59M. Kyle Matsuba, Michael W. PrattUpon reviewing the literature of environmental activists,Matsuba and Pratt offer a developmental psychological account ofhow environmental activists emerge.6. Informative and Inspirational Contributions of ExemplarStudies 75Daniel A. Hart, Theresa Murzyn, Lisa ArchibaldHart and colleagues offer a critical commentary of the precedingchapters, highlighting their strengths, and discuss the generalbenefits of using exemplar methodologies to better understand humanfunctioning.INDEX 85