PSYC07027 2022 Adult Developmental Psychology

General Details

Full Title
Adult Developmental Psychology
Transcript Title
Adult Developmental Psychology
Code
PSYC07027
Attendance
70 %
Subject Area
PSYC - Psychology Studies
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
07 - NFQ Level 7
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Dr. Allison Gillen
Programme Membership
SG_HENGL_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Psychology SG_HENGL_H08 202400 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Psychology
Description

Development is life long and not confined to any particular age or life phase.  In this Adult Developmental Psychology module, students will explore adult development from mid-life to old age.  Students will become familiar with key Psychological theories of adult development and ageing.  Students will explore the manner in which adult development is researched and the challenges of conducting this research in Psychology.  This Adult Developmental Psychology module will introduce students to how a range of factors, including individual differences, social roles and social support can impact the experience of ageing.  A key theme underpinning this Adult Developmental Psychology module is that adult development is multi-dimensional and is conditioned by a range of interrelated factors.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of factors, methods, research findings and the application of a range of Adult Developmental Psychological theories.

2.

Critically discuss how individual differences in Adult Developmental Psychology, including social roles and social support, impact the experience of ageing.

3.

Discuss the relationship between theory and evidence in Adult Developmental Psychology and its meaningfulness in explaining human behaviours.

4.

Demonstrate competence in exploring key contemporary debates in Adult Developmental Psychology and the applied relevance of this research evidence.

5.

Generate original qualitative data which is ethically sourced and demonstrate evidence of qualitative data analysis using NVivo software.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This Adult Developmental Psychology module will be delivered through formal face-to-face lectures, using a range of strategies including PowerPoint presentations, journal articles, and discussion of topics and online materials.  Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of group discussion, case work, exploring quantitative and qualitative research databases and the use of NVivo.  Students will be expected to develop their knowledge of topics through independent and guided reading for lectures, and by engaging with the activities during the lectures.

Module Assessment Strategies

Assessment 1: Life-Course Interview (100%; 2,500 words)

Students will design and conduct a life-course interview with an older adult (within their own social network).  Students will transcribe this case study interview, and using NVivo software, analyse the interview transcript through the application of two different Adult Developmental Psychology theories that have been covered in the module.  The selected Adult Developmental Psychology theories must be from different topics within the module to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding in Adult Developmental Psychology.

References must be presented in APA format.

Repeat Assessments

Students who do not successfully complete this work will resubmit for the next available sitting.  This second attempt will be capped at 40%.

Indicative Syllabus

This Adult Developmental Psychology module is divided into five topics: (1) Historical and Contemporary Perspectives of Ageing; (2) Social Roles, Health and Ageing; (3) Social Support, Health and Ageing; (4) Individual Differences in Health and Ageing and (5) Researching the Life-Course.  Theories of Adult Developmental Psychology will be explored throughout this module.

 

Learning Outcome 1: Demonstrate a critcal understanding of a range of factors, methods, research findings and the application of a range of Adult Developmental Psychological theories.

A range of theories of Adult Developmental Psychology will be explored in this module, and students will need to demonstrate a critical understanding and application of a range of Adult Developmental Psychology theories alongside a range of factors, methods, and research findings appropriate to the case study.  The selected Adult Developmental Psychology theories must be from different topics within the module to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding in Adult Developmental Psychology.

 

Learning Outcome 2: Critically discuss how individual differences in Adult Developmental Psychology, including social roles and social support, impact the experience of ageing.

There are individual differences in Adult Development, and as such this needs to be critically discussed from the perspective of Adult Developmental Psychology, with particular consideration given to how social roles and social support impact the experience of ageing, alongside other specific and relevant individual differences.

 

Learning Outcome 3: Discuss the relationship between theory and evidence in Adult Developmental Psychology and its meaningfulness in explaining human behaviours.

The application of the different Adult Developmental Psychology theories (to demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding in Adult Developmental Psychology) to the evidence collected will be explored by discussing the relationship between theory and evidence and how this contributes to explaining human behaviours. 

 

Learning Outcome 4: Demonstrate competence in exploring key contemporary debates in Adult Developmental Psychology and the applied relevance of this research evidence.

It is imperative that students critically consider the applied relevance of theories and research evidence in Adult Developmental Psychology by demonstrating competence in sourcing and exploring contemporary, relevant and appropriate Adult Developmental Psychology journal article literature and research evidence.

 

Learning Outcome 5: Generate original qualitative data which is ethically sourced and demonstrate evidence of qualitative data analysis using NVivo software.

Ethical considerations such as those from the Psychological Society of Ireland's Code of Professional Ethics and other appropriate Codes of Professional Ethics will be applied to facilitate the collection of primary and original case study qualitative data which is ethically sourced.  Students will demonstrate skills of appropriate qualitative data analysis, with the evidence included from NVivo to demonstrate this competency.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Life-Course Interview Coursework Assessment Assessment 100 % End of Semester 1,2,3,4,5
             
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Lecture Theatre Lecture and Tutorial 3 Weekly 3.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Student Independent Effort Hours 3 Weekly 3.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2018-01-01 Adult Development and Aging Cengage Learning
ISBN 1337559083 ISBN-13 9781337559089

Written within a bio-psychosocial framework, Cavanaugh and Blanchard-Fields' best-selling text covers the specific ages-stages of adult development and aging. In its unparalleled coverage of current research and theory, the authors draw clear connections between research and application. The book's focus on positive aging and the gains and losses people experience across adulthood distinguish it from its competitors. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Required Reading
2020-11-10 Life-Span Development
ISBN 1260571459 ISBN-13 9781260571455
Required Reading
2021-08-09 Social Research Methods 6E Oxford University Press
ISBN 9780198796053 ISBN-13 0198796056

Clear, comprehensive, and trusted, Bryman's Social Research Methods has guided over a quarter of a million students through their research methods course and student research project. The thoroughly updated sixth edition offers unrivalled coverage of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods with renewed focus and a fresh, modern feel.

Required Reading
2018-12-03 Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology
ISBN 1138708968 ISBN-13 9781138708969

The seventh edition of Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology provides students with the most readable and comprehensive survey of research methods, statistical concepts and procedures in psychology today. Assuming no prior knowledge, this bestselling text takes you through every stage of your research project giving advice on planning and conducting studies, analysing data and writing up reports. The book provides clear coverage of experimental, interviewing and observational methods, psychological testing, qualitative methods and analysis and statistical procedures which include nominal level tests, multi-factorial ANOVA designs, multiple regression, log linear analysis, and factor analysis. It features detailed and illustrated SPSS instructions for all these and other procedures, eliminating the need for an extra SPSS textbook. New features to this edition include: Additional coverage of factor analysis and online and modern research methods Expanded coverage of report writing guidelines References updated throughout Presentation updated throughout, to include more figures, tables and full colour to help break up the text Companion website signposted throughout the book to improve student usability Improved and extended web links and further reading associated with every chapter. Each chapter contains a glossary, key terms and newly integrated exercises, ensuring that key concepts are understood. A fully updated companion website (www.routledge.com/cw/coolican) provides additional exercises, testbanks for each chapter, revision flash cards, links to further reading and data for use with SPSS.

Required Reading
2019-12 Concise Guide to APA Style American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN 1433832739 ISBN-13 9781433832734

Designed specifically for undergraduate writing, this easy-to-use pocket guide provides complete guidance for new writers on effective, clear, and inclusive scholarly communication and the essentials of formatting papers and other course assignments.

Required Reading
2017-10-19 Collecting Qualitative Data Cambridge University Press
ISBN 1107054974 ISBN-13 9781107054974

Is there more to qualitative data collection than face-to-face interviews? Answering with a resounding 'yes', this book introduces the reader to a wide array of exciting and novel techniques for collecting qualitative data in the social and health sciences. Collecting Qualitative Data offers a practical and accessible guide to textual, media and virtual methods currently under-utilised within qualitative research. Contributors from a range of disciplines share their experiences of implementing a particular technique, provide step-by-step guidance to using that approach, and highlight both the potential and pitfalls. From gathering blog data to the story completion method to conducting focus groups online, the methods and data types featured in this book are ideally suited to student projects and other time- and resource-limited research. In presenting several innovative ways that data can be collected, new modes of scholarship and new research orientations are opened up to student researchers and established scholars alike.

Required Reading
2021-11-13 Thematic Analysis Sage Publications Limited
ISBN 1473953243 ISBN-13 9781473953246

This book is the definitive approach to thematic analysis, offering a highly accessible and practical discussion of doing TA.

Recommended Reading
2020-01-14 Reporting Quantitative Research in Psychology American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN 1433832836 ISBN-13 9781433832833

"This book offers practical guidance for understanding and implementing the American Psychological Association's Journal Article Reporting Standards for Quantitative Research (JARS-Quant) and Meta-Analysis Reporting Standards (MARS). These standards lay out the essential pieces information researchers need to report, including detailed accounts of the methods they followed, data results and analysis, interpretations of their findings, and implications for future research. The book reflects updates to the original JARS and the MARS that meet researchers' developing needs in the behavioral, social, educational, and medical sciences. It analyzes examples from APA journals, offering readers easy-to-read advice for implementing these revised standards in their own writing while also conforming with the APA Style guidelines laid out in the sixth edition of the Publication Manual. New and expanded chapters offer more detailed guidelines for reporting statistical analyses and unique elements of different types of research, including replication studies, clinical trials, and observational studies. This book is essential reading for experienced and early career researchers alike, as well as undergraduate and graduate students in research methods classes. It presents what JARS recommends for information to include in all reports on new quantitative data collections, and addresses the material that appears first in a research manuscript. It also describes the Method section, presents the JARS standards for reporting basic research designs and covers the general reporting requirements for the statistical results of studies with multiple participants in each condition."--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Recommended Reading
2013-04-05 Successful Qualitative Research SAGE Publications Limited
ISBN 1847875823 ISBN-13 9781847875822

Electronic Inspection Copy available for instructors here Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners is an accessible, practical textbook. It sidesteps detailed theoretical discussion in favour of providing a comprehensive overview of strategic tips and skills for starting and completing successful qualitative research. Uniquely, the authors provide a 'patterns framework' to qualitative data analysis in this book, also known as 'thematic analysis'. The authors walk you through a basic thematic approach, and compare and contrast this with other approaches. This discussion of commonalities, explaining why and when each method should be used, and in the context of looking at patterns, will provide you with complete confidence for your qualitative research journey. Key features of this textbook: - Full of useful tips and strategies for successful qualitative work, for example considering the nervous student not just the beginner student. - Skills-based, utilising a range of pedagogical features to encourage you to apply particular techniques and learn from your experience. - The authors use the same dataset throughout - reproduced in full (with associated research materials) on the companion website - to help you make comparisons across different analytical approaches. - A comprehensive suite of student support materials, including practice exam questions, can be found online at www.sagepub.com/braunandclarke. This textbook will be an essential textbook for undergraduates and postgraduates taking a course in qualitative research or using qualitative approaches in a research project. Visit the Companion Website at www.sagepub.com/braunandclarke

Recommended Reading
2020-01-14 Reporting Qualitative Research in Psychology American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN 1433833433 ISBN-13 9781433833434

"Reporting standards are guidelines that describe how to communicate findings clearly in journal articles so that readers can access and understand the story of the research endeavor. Recognizing that reporting standards can aid authors in the process of writing and evaluating manuscripts and editors and reviewers in the process of evaluating those manuscripts, the Publications and Communications (P&C) Board of the American Psychological Association (APA) invited two task forces of researchers to develop standards for reporting quantitative and qualitative research in journal articles. The Quantitative Journal Article Reporting Standards Working Group developed standards for quantitative research, and a separate book details those standards. This book discusses the reporting standards. It permits the space to expand on the ideas in those standards and to articulate the rationale behind each. It articulates decisions one may need to make as an author as one decides how to present their work. It also provides examples to illustrate a strong presentation style, and these can serve as helpful models. It provides the conceptual undergirding for the reporting decisions that authors make during the writing process. The book considers the typical sections of a qualitative research paper7the introductory sections, Method, Results, and Discussion. Guidance is provided for how to best present qualitative research, with rationales and illustrations. The book presents reporting standards for qualitative meta-analyses, which are integrative analyses of findings from across primary qualitative research. The book includes a discussion of objectivist and constructivist rhetorical styles in research reporting."--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

 

Journal Resources

British Journal of Developmental Psychology: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)2044-835X

Developmental Psychology: http://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/dev/

Irish Journal of Psychology: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/riri20/current

Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-applied-developmental-psychology/

URL Resources

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA): https://tilda.tcd.ie/

 

The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) has many useful resources for students including the PSI's Code of Professional Ethics, resources such as writing style and links to publications and journals.  (https://www.psychologicalsociety.ie/).

 

The British Psychological Society (BPS) has various sections providing resources such as the BPS Research Digest, links to journals, publications and ethical guidelines.  (www.bps.org.uk).

 

The American Psychological Association (APA) has various divisions and useful resources for students and practitioners.  The website provides resources such as writing style and ethical guidelines, links to publications and journals.  (www.apa.org).

Other Resources
Additional Information

There may also be additional Recommended Reading and Further Reading suggested during the Lecture sessions.  Some of the links to these resources may be provided in the weekly folders in the module area online.  However, at this level of study students are reminded that they are expected to read widely and extensively, sourcing their own contemporary, appropriate, academic, psychology-based literature to be fully informed on the topics.

As a 5 credit module, the total Student Independent Effort Hours for this module are 3 hours per week.