Master
2022/2023
Developmental Science
Type:
Compulsory course (Science of Learning and Assessment)
Area of studies:
Psychology
Delivered by:
Institute of Education
Where:
Institute of Education
When:
2 year, 1 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Master’s programme:
Science of Learning and Assessment
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
30
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course covers classic and contemporary approaches in studying development across the lifespan. We will address critical consideration for conducting research with individuals across the lifespan focusing on children and adolescents. We will discuss theoretical frameworks, brain development, and consider evidence from behavioral methods, neuroimaging technologies and molecular biology. Neuroimaging methods will include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, electroencephalography (EEG), and eye-tracking. Key discussion topic will include commonalities and differences in brain anatomy and function between children, adolescents, and adults.
Learning Objectives
- Students will learn to identify theories suitable for their research by considering theories that offer causal vs descriptive, general vs domain specific, developmental and neuroanatomical models. Students will engage in practical activities in theory selection
- The course will cover fundamentals research methods associated with conducting research with developmental samples that are not limited to young adults. Students will learn steps needed to formulate projects with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
- Lectures will cover brain areas and related functional properties, focusing on identify developmental effects. Students will engage in practical activities that will include historical understanding and current findings in specific brain areas.
- The course will cover fundamentals in the biological basis of development highlighting aspects of genetics and epigenetics and their influence on development. Students will engage in practical activities that intergrade knowledge from biology and cognition.
- Students will learn about advantages and disadvantages of neuroimaging technologies and specific considerations will be given on experimental design for methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, electroencephalography (EEG), and eye-tracking
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Students will engage in discussions and participate in presentations and discussions about genetic and epigenetic influences on development.
- Students will learn about advantages and disadvantages of neuroimaging technologies and understand considerations for experimental design for methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, electroencephalography (EEG), and eye-tracking.
- Students will learn about the brain and its development by actively participating in presentations and discussions about cortical and sub-cortical areas.
- The students will learn about fundamental research methods and good practices in conducting scientific research projects with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
- The students will think critically about aspects of theories that are important for research such as domain specific vs domain general theories, descriptive vs causal theories, and developmental vs adult theories.
Course Contents
- Theories
- Research methods
- Brain and cognition
- Genetics and epigenetics
- Neuroimaging methods
Assessment Elements
- Participation
- Theory
- Brain and Cognition
- Genetics and Epigenetics
- Neuroimaging methods test
Interim Assessment
- 2021/2022 4th module0.3 * Neuroimaging methods test + 0.2 * Theory + 0.3 * Participation + 0.2 * Brain and Cognition
- 2022/2023 1st module0.2 * Genetics and Epigenetics + 0.2 * Brain and Cognition + 0.2 * Participation + 0.2 * Neuroimaging methods test + 0.2 * Theory
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Arsalidou, M. (2013). Working memory capacity: the need for process task-analysis. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.638D4825
- Lifespan development and the brain : the perspective of biocultural co-constructivism, , 2010
- Marie Arsalidou, Matthew Pawliw-Levac, Mahsa Sadeghi, & Juan Pascual-Leone. (2018). Brain areas associated with numbers and calculations in children: Meta-analyses of fMRI studies. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, (239–250), 239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2017.08.002
- Marie Arsalidou, Matthew Pawliw-Levac, Mahsa Sadeghi, & Juan Pascual-Leone. (2018). Brain areas associated with numbers and calculations in children: Meta-analyses of fMRI studies. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.861C408E
- Yaple, Z., & Arsalidou, M. (2018). N-back Working Memory Task: Meta-analysis of Normative fMRI Studies With Children. Child Development, 89(6), 2010–2022. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13080
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Powell, T. L., Arsalidou, M., Vogan, V. M., & Taylor, M. J. (2014). Letter and Colour Matching Tasks: Parametric Measures of Developmental Working Memory Capacity. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.CDC86421