Abstract: There are two main methods for collecting data in studies of parent-child communication: survey and observation. The present paper reviewed the advances as well as limitations of the existing literature from the development of measurement instruments and the design of experimental tasks and analyzing of data. It was found that there were some shortcomings in constructing model, developing scale, and analyzing data, the trend of parent- child communication patterns studies was analyzed.

Key words: parent-child communication, conversation orientation, conformity orientation, communication ability