Child study is a very complex field. Human beings, and children, specifically, are very complex beings. Consequently, simple answers and solutions to problems are very often just that: too simple. This text presents principles and methods for studying children in the varied contexts in which they live and function. These theories and methods can be used as a kind of "tool kit" for application in a variety of situations by the people who work with children such as researchers, parents, educators, pediatricians, nurses, social workers, and child psychologists, to name but a few. In short, the book is written for people interested in how to examine and describe children as well as those interested in creating educational environments for children.