PSYC5001 Developmental Psychology: History, Theories and Critical Perspectives

What is Developmental Psychology?

The study of how people grow, develop, and change across the lifespan.

What are the two main perspectives in Developmental Psychology regarding development?

Continuous vs Discontinuous development.

What critical question addresses the definition of 'typical' development?

Who defines 'typical' development?

What cultural aspect is questioned in developmental models?

What cultural assumptions are built into developmental models?

How did the notion of childhood change during Medieval times?

Children were integrated into adult environments and began adult roles around age 6 or 7.

Who were two influential thinkers during the Enlightenment that shaped modern education?

John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau.

What concept did John Locke introduce regarding the mind?

'Tabula Rasa' (mind as a blank slate).

What did Rousseau argue about infants?

He viewed society as corrupting 'angelic' infants.

What historical period intensified the exploitation of children?

The Industrial Revolution (mid 1700s - mid 1800s).

What was the significance of the 1802 Child Protection Act?

It was the first legislation to impose restrictions on child labor.

What did G. Stanley Hall contribute to Developmental Psychology?

He conducted large-scale data collection from children and adolescents, laying the foundations for a stage-based approach.

Which two theories are associated with Skinner and Watson?

Behaviorism.

What is a significant critique of early Developmental Psychology?

It is often Eurocentric and carries gender bias.

What does intersectionality in developmental research address?

It examines how different forms of oppression and identity intersect to shape people's lives.

What is the aim of participatory methods in research with children?

To recognize children as knowledge producers with valid perspectives.

How do participatory methods empower children in research?

They give children agency and ownership, respecting their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

What is a key change in contemporary developmental research?

Greater emphasis on studying development in real-life settings.

What is a critical takeaway regarding the history of Developmental Psychology?

It has a rich yet problematic history, reflecting Western, White, middle-class norms.

What are the two assessments in the PSYC5001 module?

7 x Multiple Choice Quizzes (30%) and an in-person MCQ/SAQ exam (70%).

What is the format of the in-person exam in PSYC5001?

45 MCQs and 5 SAQs, lasting 2 hours.

What is the role of the Moodle platform in PSYC5001?

It serves as the primary resource for course materials, including reading lists and lecture slides.

What is the significance of the reading list provided in PSYC5001?

It includes core textbooks and recommended readings to support course content.

What does the term 'normative child' refer to?

It refers to the standardization of child development milestones, often tied to eugenics and colonialism.

What is the importance of studying developmental research from the Global South?

It challenges dominant theories and focuses on culturally relevant methods and measures.

What is the impact of greater inclusion of research from adulthood in Developmental Psychology?

It broadens the understanding of developmental processes beyond childhood.

What does the term 'decolonising research' mean in the context of Developmental Psychology?

It refers to empowering marginalized contexts to shape the understanding of development.

What example illustrates participatory methods with children?

Asking children to photograph or draw places where they like to play.