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James A. Graham (psychologist)
Encyclopedia
James A. Graham, PhD, is a professor at The College of New Jersey
(TCNJ), Department of Psychology
. He is a developmental psychologist whose work explores the social-cognitive aspects of children’s relationships.
(SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio
. After high school graduation in 1988, he pursued undergraduate studies at Miami University
in Oxford, OH. He received a Bachelors of Arts (BA) with a major in Psychology in 1992. In 1994, he completed a Master’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Memphis
. In 1997, he was awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Experimental Psychology (developmental specialization) from the University of Memphis.
There are 3 interdependent dimensions to his research program. One branch examines populations that are typically understudied, conceptually limited, and methodologically constrained (i.e., African-American children, children of incarcerated parents) in social science research. His research fills these voids by engaging researchers and students across a variety of fields in critical discourse about the sparse and limited work on the topic, and by presenting a more balanced discussion of the challenges and resilience in the lives of these groups of children. His scholarship moves beyond a deficit view of child development to a holistic account of the historical, cultural, economic, and social factors that influence developmental outcomes. A second branch of his research program centers on children’s development of empathy and prosocial behavior with peer groups and friends across childhood. An additional focus of his work establishes developmental science in the context of community-engaged research partnerships.
He has published articles on the roles of race and gender in children’s friendships, children’s evaluations of social situations, children’s relationship to media, and program evaluation. In 2007, he co-authored a textbook with Yvette R. Harris, The African American Child: Development and Challenges. In 2009 and 2010, he co-authored two additional books: the textbook Developmental Science: An Introductory Approach (Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company) and the edited text Children of Incarcerated Parents: Theoretical, Developmental, and Clinical Issues (Springer Publishing Company).
through TCNJ’s Graduate Global Program.
The College of New Jersey
The College of New Jersey, abbreviated TCNJ, is a public, coeducational university located in Ewing Township, New Jersey, a suburb of Trenton....
(TCNJ), Department of Psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
. He is a developmental psychologist whose work explores the social-cognitive aspects of children’s relationships.
Education
From grades 7 to 12, he studied drama at the School for Creative and Performing ArtsSchool for Creative and Performing Arts
The School for Creative and Performing Arts is a magnet arts school in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, and part of the Cincinnati Public Schools...
(SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
. After high school graduation in 1988, he pursued undergraduate studies at Miami University
Miami University
Miami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in Oxford, OH. He received a Bachelors of Arts (BA) with a major in Psychology in 1992. In 1994, he completed a Master’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Memphis
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis is an American public research university located in the Normal Station neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee and is the flagship public research university of the Tennessee Board of Regents system....
. In 1997, he was awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Experimental Psychology (developmental specialization) from the University of Memphis.
Research
His scholarship focuses on the social-cognitive aspects of peer relationships among school children (K-5) from both molar (peer group) and molecular (dyads) perspectives.There are 3 interdependent dimensions to his research program. One branch examines populations that are typically understudied, conceptually limited, and methodologically constrained (i.e., African-American children, children of incarcerated parents) in social science research. His research fills these voids by engaging researchers and students across a variety of fields in critical discourse about the sparse and limited work on the topic, and by presenting a more balanced discussion of the challenges and resilience in the lives of these groups of children. His scholarship moves beyond a deficit view of child development to a holistic account of the historical, cultural, economic, and social factors that influence developmental outcomes. A second branch of his research program centers on children’s development of empathy and prosocial behavior with peer groups and friends across childhood. An additional focus of his work establishes developmental science in the context of community-engaged research partnerships.
He has published articles on the roles of race and gender in children’s friendships, children’s evaluations of social situations, children’s relationship to media, and program evaluation. In 2007, he co-authored a textbook with Yvette R. Harris, The African American Child: Development and Challenges. In 2009 and 2010, he co-authored two additional books: the textbook Developmental Science: An Introductory Approach (Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company) and the edited text Children of Incarcerated Parents: Theoretical, Developmental, and Clinical Issues (Springer Publishing Company).
Teaching
At TCNJ, he teaches courses in child development, research methods, and development across the lifespan. In addition, he teaches developmental seminars in children's social and personality development, ethnic and racial diversity among US children; cross-cultural child development; and children and the media. For the past decade, he has taught graduate Education and Psychology summer courses in Johannesburg, South AfricaJohannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
through TCNJ’s Graduate Global Program.