PSY201 All Units Discussion Papers

Consider the following scenario: You are designing a research study to determine the effects of a new medication to treat bipolar disorder in children. Would you choose to conduct a correlational study or an experimental study? In addition, would you choose a cross-sectional or a longitudinal design? In explaining your choices, be sure to discuss (a) the pros and cons of the research designs you selected and (b) how they would affect the conclusions you are able to draw from your specific study. Finally, discuss what steps you would take to ensure compliance with APA ethical standards for conducting research with children.

DQ2 Nature-Nurture Debate (PSY201 All Units Discussion Papers)

The nature-nurture debate is a long standing issue in Developmental psychology.

Explain what is meant by the “nature-nurture” debate.

Choose one aspect of your own development (physical, social, cognitive, personality) and explain how it was influenced by nature, nurture, or both.

Locate and read a scholarly research study article that examines how nature, nurture, or both contribute to some aspect of child development. Summarize the research findings and discuss what you found most interesting about the results. Include the APA article reference.

Unit 2 discussion

DQ1 Brain Development

Development of the brain is influenced by nature and nurture. Give two examples of how “nurture” (experience, environmental influences) can impact brain development in either a positive or adverse way. Support your statements with findings from a scholarly research article (s). Cite your reference(s).

DQ2 Critical Periods

What is meant by the term, “critical period” as it refers to development? Discuss how the concept of critical periods applies to various aspects of physical, brain, and perceptual development. In terms of brain development, how have research findings on neuroplasticity changed our views about the rigidity imposed by critical periods? Support your response with findings from scholarly research. Cite your reference(s).

Unit 3 discussion – PSY201 All Units Discussion Papers

DQ1 Theory Comparison

Compare and contrast Piaget’s theory of cognitive development with the theories proposed by Vygotsky and Bandura. Use the following scenario: you are a second grade teacher and are writing a lesson plan to teach math facts (addition and subtraction).

Based on Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, what materials would you incorporate into your lesson plan? Be specific and explain how your plan is driven by Piaget’s theory.

How would you change your lesson plan based on Vygotsky’s theory? Based on Bandura’s theory?

DQ2 IQ and Genetics

It used to be thought that IQ was strictly determined by genetics. After reading After the Bell Curve, do you believe that IQ is solely influenced by genetics? Based on your readings, what advice would you offer to parents/caregivers/and educators in order to maximize IQ?

Unit 4 discussion

DQ1 Language Development Periods

Do you believe there are critical periods for language development? Why or why not? In thinking of about your response, consider at least two of the following: the case study on Genie (the girl isolated from human contact), bilingualism, deaf children who have their hearing restored by cochlear implants, recovery from brain injury to language areas, or other relevant research findings of interest to you.

DQ2 Nativist and Learning Theories

Compare and contrast nativist and learning theories of language development. Which perspective do you think best captures how we develop language?

Unit 5 discussion

DQ1 Personality

Do you think personality is determined by nature, nurture, or both? Support your viewpoint with examples from scholarly research finding as well as your own experience.

Do you believe there are gender differences in Personality? If so, do you believe they are determined by nature, nurture, or both? Support your viewpoint with examples from scholarly research finding as well as your own experience.

DQ2 Freud’s Theory

Describe Freud’s theory of Personality Development. Do you think Freud’s theory of Personality Development is still relevant today? Why or why not?

Unit 6 discussion – PSY201 All Units Discussion Papers

DQ1 New Parent/Caregiver Advice

Based on your readings and the videos provided, what advice would you give new parents/caregivers in order to ensure healthy attachment between infant and parent/caregiver?

DQ2 Stage Theories

Like Piaget and Freud, both Erikson and Kohlberg postulate “stage theories” of development. Do you believe that stage theories accurately reflect the timing and sequence of developmental events? Use examples from the theories of Erikson and Kohlberg to support your answer.

DQ3 Heinz Dilemma

This unit discusses Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development. The “Heinz Dilemma” scenario helps classify an individual’s stage of moral development. How would you respond if faced with this dilemma?

Unit 7 discussion

DQ1 Ecological Development

Describe Bronfenbrenner’s model of ecological development. Reflecting upon your own experiences, explain how your Microsystems, Exosystems, and Macrosystem affected your development.

DQ2 Parenting Style

From your own experience, how would you best characterize the “parenting style” of your parents, you, or someone else you know? Give specific examples to support your viewpoint.

DQ3 Course Registration

Please list what course(s) you are registered for in the next MOD. What connections do you see between that course(s) and this one?

You are not required to respond to other students, but feel free to let them know if you are registered for the same course(s) as them or if you have taken it in the past.

Unit 8 discussion

DQ1 Group Toy Project Sharing

Have one group member attach your group project to a new thread to share with your class. All group members should review the other projects and provide constructive feedback.

DQ2 ADHD

Based on the unit resources, do you believe that ADHD is merely a behavioral disorder, or do you believe there is an underlying neurological component? Do you believe medication should be prescribed for children with ADHD? If you were charged with developing an intervention (treatment/behavioral) plan for a child with ADHD, what components would you include in your plan? Support your positions with cited resources.

DQ3 Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is becoming increasingly diagnosed in children. What is bipolar disorder in children? How does it differ behaviorally and neurologically from bipolar disorder in adults? If you were charged with developing an intervention (treatment/behavioral) plan for a child with Bipolar disorder, what components would you include in your plan? Incorporate the research findings from the readings and your own research to support your position.

DQ4 Course Reflection

Reflect on the course and share your answers to the following questions:

What was the most interesting or useful thing you learned during the course?

What suggestions can you offer that might improve the quality of the course?

If you could give one piece of advice to incoming students about this course, what would that be? Your responses may be shared anonymously with future classes!

You are not required to respond to your classmate posts. PSY201 All Units Discussion Papers