The Study of Behavioural Development in Brazil: Contemporary Research, Teaching and Practice

Abstract

Some notes on the history of psychology in Brazil, in terms of undergraduate and postgraduate training, provide a background for the understanding of present trends in research, teaching and practice in the field of behavioural development. Research work on any aspect of psychology in Brazil is closely intertwined with postgraduate programs. Most of them began in the seventies and are concentrated in the south-eastern regions of the country. The two basic theoretical influences on research are behaviourism and cognitivism, although an ethological orientation is evident in several recent studies. A review of the work of various research groups indicates great progress in behavioural studies during the last few years. An action-oriented approach clearly prevails, involving work with underpriviledged and mentally retarded children. The rate of scientific production measured in terms of published papers and books, however, remains extremely low. Efforts are being made to improve the scientific communication system, although serious limitations are imposed by the difficult economical situation of the country.