Lab Description

The lab section of this course is intended to supplement you with additional material and discussion on topics not covered, or only briefly covered in the lecture portion of this class. Some readings in addition to the textbook will be assigned, and over the course of the semester a few short papers and other assignments will be written in order to enhance and evaluate your understanding of developmental psychology.

Grading Policy

Your grade for the lab will be determined accordingly:

Assignment Your grade

Attendance………………….5 pts._________
Visible Embryo……………..5 pts._________
Nature/Nurture……………...10 pts._________
Infant Study Proposal……….10 pts._________
Intelligence………………….10 pts._________
Gender Paper………………..10 pts._________
Identity Paper……………….10 pts._________
Harris Article………………..10 pts._________
Science and the Media………30 pts._________

Total100 pts._________

Please note that your grade in lab comprises 25% of your total grade for the course (100/400 points).

Due Dates

Listed below is the lab schedule for the semester. Due dates are noted for each assignment. ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TURNED IN AT THE BEGINNING OF LAB ON THE DAY THEY ARE DUE. Late assignments will receive at most ½ credit, and any assignment turned in after 11 am the next day will not be accepted. Assignments may NOT be emailed to the instructor. This policy is not flexible.

 

Tentative Lab Schedule (subject to change if necessary)
Week	Date	Topic	Assignment or Reading
1	Jan 6-10	Lab does not meet this week
2	Jan 14	Introduction to lab
3	Jan 21	Prenatal Testing	Visible embryo handout due
4	Jan 28	Nature/Nurture Debate	Nature/Nurture questions due
5	Feb 4	REVIEW FOR EXAM 1
6	Feb 11	Theories of cognitive development
7	Feb 18	Infant Study Brainstorming
8	Feb 25	Implement infant study in class	Infant Study Proposal due
9	Mar 4	Intelligence and educational assessment debate	Intelligence assignment due
10	Mar 11	REVIEW FOR EXAM 2
11	Mar 25	Theories of social development
12	Apr 1	Gender differences in emotional development	Gender paper due
13	Apr 8	Identity Development	Identity paper due
14	Apr 15	Science and the media	Science and the media paper due
15	Apr 22	Parental/Peer influences on development debate	Harris article paper due
16	Apr 29	REVIEW FOR EXAM 3

A note on the assignments

Papers written outside of class should be typed or computer printed, double-spaced, printed in black ink, using a 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and stapled (no paper clips, folders, or binders please). A “running head” is not necessary. Please put your name, student identification number, and a page number on every page of every paper you turn in. Every assignment that is completed outside of class time will be strictly graded for grammar and spelling, in addition to content. Remember to keep a copy (photocopy or disk copy) of every assignment you turn in.
Attendance

Because the lab only meets once a week and critical information and materials will be handed out or collected each meeting, attendance is MANDATORY. Each student will begin the semester with 5 points counting towards their final lab grade for attendance, and 1 point will be deducted for each absence that is not approved in advance. Missing lab for a university-sponsored activity requires written documentation and at least two weeks’ notice.

Description of Labs

1.Visible Embryo Project

Before coming to lab, visit the Visible Embryo website: http://www.visembryo.com. Answer the questions on the handout you were given the previous week in lab. We will have small group discussions regarding issues of prenatal testing for genetic disorders.

2.Nature/Nurture Debate

Before coming to lab, type one paragraph answers to each of the questions you were given in the previous lab. We will discuss how the nature versus nurture debate influences our beliefs about a variety of topics, as well as cover the interactionist perspective on nature and nurture.

3.Theories of Cognitive Development

In lab, we will work together on comparing and contrasting the major theories of cognitive development, and possibly watch a short video.

4.Infant Study Project (2 weeks)

In lab on week one we will break into groups and begin forming study proposals designed to answer a question regarding infant abilities. Any part of the proposal that you do not finish in class should be done before the next lab meeting. In addition, make sure that someone in your group types up your group’s proposal. During week two, your group will get a chance to implement your study with Dr. Frick’s son, Colin.

5.Intelligence and Educational Assessment Debate

Before coming to lab, type your answers (one paragraph for each question) to the questions regarding intelligence and educational assessment, formulating your arguments based upon the information presented in chapter 8 of the textbook. We will spend the lab discussing relevant issues in educational assessment.

6.Gender and Emotional Development Paper

The psychology of gender is a relatively new field, and continues to be a sensitive topic for researchers and laypersons alike. Before coming to lab, type a two-page (double spaced) paper discussing how your gender has influenced your emotional development, using the handout provided as a guide. We will spend the class discussing research in the area of gender and emotional expression.

7.Identity Development Paper

Before coming to lab, type a two-page (double spaced) paper discussing your own identity development, using the handout provided as a guide. We will spend the lab discussing identity development.

8.Science and the Media Project

The portrayal of scientific research in the media is important, as it influences not only the public’s perceptions of science, but often public policy (e.g., “the Mozart effect” and the subsequent distribution of classical music to newborns in Georgia). Over the course of the semester, find and cut out/photocopy an article in a newspaper or magazine dealing with some psychological research. Then, seek out and copy the journal article that the media story was based upon. Write a 3-5-page paper summarizing the research, and contrasting the media’s portrayal of the research with the researcher’s. You must turn in your paper as well as a copy of both the media article and journal article you used as your sources.

9.Judith Rich Harris Debate

Before coming to lab, check out Harris’ article reserved at the library and present an argument either for or against her theoretical stance. You will be assigned to either the proponent or opponent group randomly beforehand; your paper should be two pages (double spaced). We will spend the class debating the relative influence of parents and peers in personality development.