Current Topics in Developmental Psych. (PSYC40001)

The general aim is to review advances in developmental research by analysing recent perspectives on the question of how best to conceptualise the impact of genetic, biological,neurological, cognitive, affective, interpersonal, social and cultural factors on the developing individual. The unifying aim is to analyse the theoretical, measurement and policy implications of contemporary claims about the nature of development. The nature of the correspondences between models of developmental processes and the analytical models used to explore those processes receive particular attention. A number of topics are examined in depth to highlight salient developmental issues. Recent research on the origins of young children's social and cognitive competencies is analysed to assess claims about the domain specific and domain general nature of development. Hypotheses about genetic influences on development are also critically analysed. Claims about the impact of social factors (peers, parents, social environments, cultures) are reviewed to 1) explore the ways in which external influences are thought to affect ­development; 2) examine the contribution of the person to his or her own development; and 3) assess the limitations of analytic methods used to test claims about influences and contributions. Other issues covered include interactions between biological predispositions and environment conditions; the role of culture in the development of the individual; ways of theorising and measuring development change and specific versus general competencies and, the implications of research in social policy and practice.