Leann Birch, Program Director (Interdisciplinary)
(814) 863-0053 phone
llb15@psu.edu e-mail
(814) 863-7963 fax

For application materials contact:
Mary Jo Spicer
(814) 863-7964 phone
mjs6@psu.edu e-mail
(814) 863-7963 fax

Human Development Intervention: Analysis of Theories and Approaches; Consultation in Human Development Intervention; Evaluation Research; Assessment in Human Development

Samples: 1. Evaluation of Program on Parental Decision Making. 2. Child Care Policy in Costa Rica. 3. African-American Young Adults' Social Support Networks. 4. Ecological Predictors of Delinquency.

Special Features: The program in intervention research concentrates on the theories, issues, and methods for achieving specified life goals of individuals and families throughout their respective life spans. This area is based upon knowledge of the processes of development and change and of interpersonal relationships in a variety of social contexts as well as theories of intervention. The focus is on empirical demonstration and evaluation as well as on the development of competencies in implementing educative, remediative, and preventive programs designed to optimize and enhance human behavior. Thus, while a range of intervention research procedures is taught, the emphasis is on approaches requiring skills such as program evaluation and analysis, training, supervision, and consultation, and not on remedial or clinical objectives. Development of a theoretical base in individual and family development will be combined with this area. Other common training sites, not listed in the table, consist of health and human services.