Psychological and Developmental Issues in Early Childhood

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 5
• Convenor: Ana Da Cunha Lewin
• Assessment: coursework of 3000 words (100%)
  

In this module we explore the potential impact of a range of developmental and psychological disorders and adverse experiences on children’s lives and their education.

Indicative syllabus

• Introduction: recap of concepts and theories; ethical and methodological problems of research with children
• Developmental disorders: key explanations of children’s development and strategies for managing and/or treating developmental conditions such as attachment disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, dyslexia and dyspraxia
• Psychological disorders: key explanations of children’s development and strategies for managing and/or treating psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety and school phobia
• Adverse experiences: impact and strategies for supporting and/or treating adverse experiences such as neglect, abuse, bereavement, bullying and trauma

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• outline and critically evaluate the key explanations for the causes of a range of psychological conditions
• describe and evaluate the potential impact of these conditions on children’s lives and education
• outline and critically evaluate the current psychological thinking on the impact of a range of adverse experiences on children’s lives and education
• recognise a range of research methods that might be appropriate to the study of this area of psychology (identifying strengths and weaknesses of core methodologies)
• identify the ethical issues when conducting research in this area (with particular consideration of harm)
• demonstrate an appropriate awareness of cultural considerations in the evaluation of theory and research.