Psychology Question

MODULE 2b ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

The overall aim of this assignment is to describe and critically reflect on the ways that psy-perspectives and theories inform and intersect with development.

The assignment is a 4000-word essay that compares, contrasts and critiques two texts* that show how psy-perspectives and theories inform and intersect with development.

Deadline is February 16^th 2021 at noon.

*’Texts’ are understood very broadly here, and might include: academic papers, child sponsorship or charity appeals; an advert for a medication prescribed for a mental health problem; the packaging of a toy aimed at children; a campaign; a piece of childcare advice literature;, a political speech or policy; a diagnostic check-list for a mental health problems or developmental milestone; an advert, clip from a film or a TV show, etc. There will be time within the seminars and lecture 4 to discuss your choice of texts, and you are welcome to use a ‘text’ in any language, as long as you translate it.

Lecture 4 and the seminars will give you the opportunity to talk to your peers and elicit feedback about your choice of ‘texts’. You are also encouraged to speak to others outside of the sessions, such as your tutor, and get as much feedback as you can. These two ‘text’ can be anything that you feel represents some of the ideas, controversies, and issues that we have discussed on the module so far (or other issues that you personally would like to write about in your assignment).

During Lecture 4, you will have some time (around 10 mins) to talk to one or two of your peers about your choice of texts. You should come ready to this session able to discuss:

• What is the text and where is it from?
• Why you have chosen it (and how does it show the intersection of the psy-disciplines and development?)
• How you think you might use it in your written assignment
• What other text you might choose to compare and contrast this one with (for the assignment)

We will use the discussion board to further share feedback on this and develop your ideas.

This assignment can be structured however you wish and should include the images/ texts you are analysing (if these are available online, for example from YouTube, then please include a link to access them). If you are analysing a film or longer text, then choose a short section of this, and briefly describe it in the essay (you may also want to include a few screen captures).

When comparing and contrasting you are advised to choose two texts that are very different from one another, for example, texts from different cultures or countries, or texts that produce very different understandings of childhood, development, and/or of wellbeing.

When planning your assignment, you should consider the following (which might also help you to structure your assignment):

• Briefly describe your texts, including where they are from and who they are produced by (remember that the essay should not be too descriptive).
• Think about the reasons why the texts have been produced
• Why have you chosen the particular texts?
• Be explicit (i.e. show clearly in your writing) about the ways both texts are shaped by or show evidence of the psy-disciplines and how these intersect with development.
• Explore what assumptions the texts make: what kind of development is depicted; what message does the text construct about ‘normality’; what kind of subject or person does the text construct?
• What kinds of developmental theories or ideas do the texts use and/or produce?
• How do these texts relate to wider literature and research on your chosen topic?
• How do these texts relate to your own experiences and expertise?
• Think about what the texts ‘do’: what might be the implications of the texts for 
children, families and/or communities?

Topics you could consider include (but are not limited to):

• Mental health
• Learning differences
• Older adults
• Gender Roles
• Digital inclusion/online environments
• Disability studies
• Race
• Family dynamics

Psychological perspective you might consider include:

• Behaviourism
• Psychodynamic theories
• Cognitive Psychology
• Constructivism
• Evolutionary or biological Psychology
• Humanistic

Best of luck with the assignment.

There will be plenty of time during the lectures to discuss the assignment, your choice of texts, and to practice giving and receiving peer feedback. There will also be an opportunity to look at and discuss previous student essays.