PYB203 Developmental Psychology

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit is designed to introduce the major theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of developmental psychology, and to encourage you to consider the major life issues, events, and transitions that shape the course of development throughout the lifespan. This unit aims to develop awareness of general patterns of human development and of the ways in which the development of particular individuals and diverse groups may vary from these general patterns. We will also critically examine the importance of the physical, family, socio-cultural and historical contexts within which development occurs, and a gain a sense of the interdependency of all aspects of development.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Critically examine the major theoretical perspectives that have been influential in the study of human development
2. Evaluate and explain the key processes underlying human development across the lifespan and appreciate the impact of context and culture on these processes
3. Employ digital capabilities to access and utilise psychological research, and critically evaluate research in developmental psychology
4. Effectively communicate an evidence-based argument through the creation of a written Essay

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit comprises a series of learning modules that are designed to introduce you to the theories, concepts, methods, and basic findings in the area of developmental psychology. We take a blended and flexible approach to delivering the modules, offering both in person and online engagement with the learning activities.

As part of these modules, there will be exercises and collaborative activities designed to clarify and deepen your understanding of important concepts, as well as covering essential information to help you to understand how to effectively communicate an evidence-based psychological argument through completing the Essay. Throughout semester, you will engage with a series of formative online quizzes which are designed to help you keep on track with your learning and give you feedback on your understanding of the unit content.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Early and regular feedback on your understanding of the unit content is provided via the use of a series of formative online quizzes. This will give you a good sense of how you are progressing toward meeting ULOs 1 and 2 and provide opportunities for you to reflect upon and refine your study approach as you prepare for the Final Examination.

Formative feedback regarding ULO 3 will be obtained through instructor-led collaborative activities in the learning modules, and this ULO, along with ULO 4, will be addressed via written summative feedback provided on the Essay.

Assessment

Overview

There are two summative assessments in this unit: an Essay worth 50% and a Final Examination worth 50%. Your Essay in this unit will be submitted electronically. You will be required to submit your work via Turnitin content-matching software. Assessment will be marked online and your feedback will be supplied via Canvas.

Note that prior to release of marks, the unit coordinator undertakes a moderation process to ensure that individual markers have applied criteria and standards consistently and fairly. From time to time there are errors made in marking (for example, mistakes in adding up or missing sections of a submission). If you find such errors, you should approach the unit coordinator immediately. Actively reading the feedback provided will enhance your learning success. 

Final grades are not confirmed until reviewed by the relevant Faculty Assessment Committee and approved by the Executive Dean at the completion of each teaching period.

This is an internally offered unit; students are required to attend examinations, in person on QUT Brisbane campuses.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Essay

This assessment task is designed to develop your skills in distinguishing theory from evidence, evaluating research, and utilising empirical evidence to support a written argument. You will be asked to imagine that you are a behavioural scientist employed by a relevant industry stakeholder (e.g., early childhood education and care centre, aged care provider). Your employer has asked you to answer a question related to a contemporary issue impacting their industry. You will use industry-standard databases such as PsycINFO to search and review relevant literature. You will provide a comprehensive discussion and critical evaluation of relevant research evidence to answer the question posed by your employer. Your Essay will follow the standard format for scientific writing adopted by psychological professionals (developed by the American Psychological Association).

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Final Examination

The final examination will assess your understanding of the content discussed in lectures, tutorials, and the assigned readings via multiple-choice and short-answer questions.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Peterson, C.C. (2014). Looking forward through the lifespan. Developmental psychology. (6th edition). Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson.

Risk Assessment Statement

You should be aware that some content in this unit may be confronting to certain audiences. Please exercise your own discretion when participating in classroom activities or discussions and, if appropriate, advise teaching staff if you do not wish to participate. The QUT Student Counselling service is also available and free of charge to all QUT students (https://www.qut.edu.au/about/services-and-facilities/all-services/student-counselling-services)

Course Learning Outcomes

PY45 Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)

1. Describe and evaluate the core scientific perspectives of psychology with reference to theories, methods and research, from diverse perspectives, including first-nations perspectives.
   Relates to: Essay, Final Examination
2. Critically examine the scientific discipline of psychological research and theories using oral, written and digital communication to address psychological issues in a respectful, ethical and professional manner.
   Relates to: Essay, Final Examination
3. Implement a range of digital capabilities to access, examine and utilise evidence-based information in the context of effectively responding to, and communicating, real world problems.
   Relates to: Essay