How are we to understand the complex forces that shape human behavior? A
variety of diverse perspectives, drawing upon studies of human
behavioral ontogeny, as well as humanity's evolutionary herit- age seem
to provide the best likelihood of success. It is in the attempt to
synthesize such potentially disparate approaches to human develop- ment
into an integrated whole that we undertake this series on the Genesis of
Behavior. In many respects, the incredible burgeoning of research in
child development the last or like a lines over decade two seems
thousand of inquiry spreading outward in an incoherent starburst of
effort. The need exists to provide, on an ongoing basis, an arena of
discourse within which the threads of continuity between those diverse
lines of research on human development can be woven into a fabric of
meaning and understanding. Scientists, scholars, and those who attempt
to translate their efforts into the practical realities of the care and
guidance of infants and children are the audience that we seek to reach.
Each requires the opportunity to see-to the degree that our knowledge in
given areas permits-various aspects of development in a coherent,
integrated fashion. It is hoped that this series-by bringing together
research on infant biology; developing infant capacities; animal models,
the impact of social, cultural, and familial forces on development, and
the distorted products of such forces under certain circumstances-will
serve these important social and scientific needs.