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Current Topics in Developmental Psych. (PSYC40001)
HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Dr Judi Humberstone
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
The subject aims to provide students with the ability to critically review advances in developmental psychological research by analysing answers to questions about how best to conceptualise the impact of genetic, biological, neurological, cognitive, affective, interpersonal, social and cultural factors on the developing child.
Five themes/questions reoccur in the subject:
- What is the correspondence between developmental models and the research methods used to evaluate those models?
- What are the social and policy implications of contemporary research findings?
- What are typical and/or atypical developmental trajectories within and across cultures?
- How should the impact of the interaction between social and more biologically-based factors be characterised?
- What is the validity and/or reliability of developmental assessment procedures?
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge
On completion of the subject students will demonstrate knowledge of:
- typical and atypical developmental trajectories within and across cultures
- the relationships between genetic, biological, neurological, cognitive, affective, interpersonal, social and cultural aspects of development
Skills
On completion of the subject students will have developed skills to:
- interpret the social and policy implications of contemporary research data
- review contemporary research claims, especially those focusing on domain general versus domain specific developmental processes
- interpret limitations of developmental tests.
Application of knowledge and skills
On completion of this subject students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to:
- critically evaluate perspectives on the relationships between genetic, biological, neurological, cognitive, affective, interpersonal, social and cultural aspects of development
- evaluate the adequacy of the correspondence between developmental models and research methods uses to evaluate those models
- write theoretical essays reflecting an understanding of a current developmental debate.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students will have had the opportunity to develop skills in:
- skills related to integrating and distinguishing between different approaches to development in order to develop an understanding of contemporary issues relating theory to psychological analysis and practice.
- be able to discern and manipulate relationships between theoretical and methodological claims about development.
- draw out the social implications of developmental psychology for current social policy.
- present, develop and support an argument for a position and anticipate criticism.
- interact with peers to facilitate respectful development of communication and listening skills
- write an argument-based essay
Last updated: 3 November 2022