PSYC 676 Developmental Neuropsychology

Exploration of the relationship between brain and behavior across the lifespan. Special emphasis on contemporary research and issues in the field. (Crosslisted with MSPS 580)

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the major concepts, theories, methodologies, and empirical findings in neuropsychological research. The student will learn to critically evaluate and apply current research findings in order to solve practical problems of brain, behavior and cognition that can occur throughout the lifespan. Finally, the student will learn to integrate basic and applied neuropsychological theory and practice with a biblical perspective and a Christ-centered approach to professional psychology.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations (MLOs A – E)

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will create a thread of at least 350 words using course-related knowledge to address the assigned topic, as well as submit replies of at least 200 words to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each thread and reply must contain at least 1 unique scholarly citation and 1 unique biblical citation. Current APA format must be used. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Literature Review Paper Assignments

Throughout the course, the student will complete 4 cumulative writing assignments that are designed to guide him/her in composing a well-developed Literature Review Paper about a specific neuropsychological disorder/disease. The 4 elements of the paper must adhere to current APA “professional paper” formatting guidelines, and are described below. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Literature Review Paper: Part 1 — Topic Paragraph Assignment

The student will write a paragraph that provides a general idea of the topic that he/she intends to pursue in his/her Literature Review Paper. This paragraph will include a topic sentence, 3 to 5 sentences that represent supporting ideas, and a concluding sentence. At least 2 primary, peer-reviewed research articles must be cited and referenced. The assignment must conform with current APA “professional paper” format guidelines.

Literature Review Paper: Part 2 — Thesis and List of References Assignment

The student will write a thesis statement that summarizes the argument that he/she will develop in his/her Literature Review Paper. The student will also create a title page in current APA “professional paper” format and list of references that contains the bibliographic information for at least 15 potential primary, peer-reviewed sources that provide support for the thesis.

Literature Review Paper: Part 3 — Outline Assignment

The student will write an outline of his/her paper in order to provide a detailed, organizational plan for the main and supporting ideas that will be addressed in his/her Literature Review Paper. While there are no specific formatting guidelines for presenting an outline in current APA style, the student will utilize all applicable current APA “professional paper” formatting elements (e.g., title page, running head, page numbers etc.) for this assignment. A current APA-formatted references page with at least 10-12 primary, peer-reviewed sources must be included.

Literature Review Paper: Part 4 — Final Paper Assignment

The student will write a 5–7-page empirical Literature Review Paper about a specific neuropsychological disorder/disease using empirical research from at least 10 primary, peer-reviewed journal articles. All elements of the Final Paper Assignment must adhere to current APA “professional paper” formatting guidelines, including a references page with at least 10-12 primary, peer-reviewed sources.

Neuropsychological Assessment Presentation Assignment

The student will create a 5—7-minute narrated PowerPoint or Prezi presentation that discusses the goals and procedures for conducting a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Additionally, the student will choose a neuropsychological disease/disorder and discuss its diagnostic criteria. Next, the student will develop a “battery” of at least 3 assessment tests or tools that a clinician could use to diagnose or evaluate the presence of the disease/disorder. The student will provide personal reflection about new, meaningful information that was learned and how it will be applied. The student must integrate course content, and current research into his/her presentation. The presentation will be graded based on its content, aesthetics, and adherence to current APA formatting guidelines. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Quizzes (7)

The student will complete 7 open-book/open-notes quizzes comprising 25 multiple choice questions. Each quiz will cover the textbook readings and lecture presentations for the Module: Week in which it is assigned. The student will have 45 minutes to complete each quiz. (CLOs: A – D)

Quiz: Comprehensive Final

The student will complete an open-book/open-notes comprehensive final quiz that will cover the textbook readings and lecture presentations for all Modules: Weeks and comprise 50 multiple choice questions. The student will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the quiz. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)