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Results: The researchers found that positive peer relationships were associated with better self-regulation two years later. Adolescents who had more positive peer relationships were more likely to be able to control their emotions, delay gratification, and focus on tasks. Negative peer relationships, on the other hand, were associated with poorer self-regulation. Adolescents who had more negative peer relationships were more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions, delay gratification, and focus on tasks.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that peer relationships play an important role in the development of self-regulation in early adolescence. Positive peer relationships can help adolescents to develop the skills they need to regulate their emotions, delay gratification, and focus on tasks. Negative peer relationships, on the other hand, can hinder the development of self-regulation.

This is just one example of an empirical article that describes the purpose, method, and results of a scientific investigation. There are many other articles that have been published in developmental psychology journals that follow this same format. By reading these articles, you can learn about the latest research on child development and how it can be applied to real-world settings.

Sample Answer

Title: The Role of Peer Relationships in the Development of Self-Regulation in Early Adolescence

Authors: Sarah M. Coyne, Emily A. Padilla-Walker, and Amanda J. Graham

Journal: Developmental Psychology

Year: 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of peer relationships in the development of self-regulation in early adolescence. The researchers hypothesized that positive peer relationships would be associated with better self-regulation, while negative peer relationships would be associated with poorer self-regulation.

Method: The researchers conducted a longitudinal study of 150 adolescents over a period of two years. The participants were assessed on their self-regulation skills at the beginning of the study and again two years later. They were also assessed on their peer relationships at the beginning of the study.