Refocusing the lens on development: Towards genetic research methodology

This chapter discusses issues related to the methodology of developmental research from the perspective of cultural-historical theory (Vygotsky). The target question is how the video recording as a research instrument can become a valid and efficient part of genetic research methodology. Experimental-genetical method is based on understanding development as a complex process of qualitative changes. Its essence is to restore in specially created artificial experimental conditions and settings the entire process of qualitative change in developmental transitions from “buds” to “flowers” and then to “fruits”.

This means that the experimental study makes the process of development accessible for direct observation. In such an experiment, the development happens literally before the researcher’s eyes. Yet, eyes are not always the reliable tool. In this respect the video recording obtains an exclusively important role and place. Video recording of the qualitative changes and transitions in mental development makes possible to analyse the process of development in its dynamics and complexity. Genetic research methodology requires a reconsideration of video recording as a research instrument.