PSYC 2308: Child Psychology

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) for PSYC 2308

1. Identify basic milestones in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development

2. Define the concepts and terms associated with the major theories of child and adolescent development

3. Identify research methods used by developmental scientists.

4. Apply course concepts to child care and parenting situations.

CSLO #1: Identify basic milestones in physical, cognitive and psychosocial development.

1.1 Basic stages and milestones of biological development from conception to adulthood.

1.2 Cognitive developmental stages according to Piaget.

1.3 Psychosocial developmental stages according to Freud and Erikson.

CSLO #2: Define the concepts and terms associated with the major theories of child and adolescent development.

2.1. Psychodynamic principles of development

2.2. Learning theory explanations of development

2.3. Cognitive and cognitive-developmental principles of development

2.4. Biological principles of development

2.4. Systems theory explanations of development

CSLO #3 Identify research methods used by developmental scientists.

3.1 Cross-sectional designs

3.2 Longitudinal designs

3.3 Cross-sequential designs

3.4 Descriptive methods

3.5 Experimental methods

3.6 Correlational methods

CSLO #4: Demonstrate the ability to apply course concepts to child care and parenting situations.

4.1. Apply research and best practice standards to practical questions and issues involving prenatal care and the process of birth, including: stages, complications, Apgar, and capabilities of the newborn.

4.2 Apply research and best practice standards to practical questions and issues involving the development of the infant and toddler, including: SIDS, effects of malnutrition, breastfeeding v. bottle feeding, brain growth, motor development, and changes in sensation/perception.

4.3 Apply research and best practice standards to practical questions and issues involving early childhood development, including the application of behavioral, sociocultural, and Piagetian theories of development.

4.4 Apply research and best practice standards to practical questions and issues involving development in middle childhood, including: peers, school, physical development, skills acquisition, and moral development.

4.5 Apply research and best practice standards to practical questions and issues involving adolescent development, including: physical maturation, identity formation, high risk behavior, and formal operations.

4.6 Apply research and best practice standards to practical questions and issues involving culture, media, day care and school, family dynamics, nutrition, biological, maturation, and peer relationships.