Developmental Neuropsychology – PSYC 676

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

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)

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

This course is designed to familiarize students with the major concepts, theories, methodologies, and empirical findings in neuropsychological research. Students 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, students will learn to integrate basic and applied neuropsychological theory and practice with a biblical perspective and a Christ-centered approach to professional psychology.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations (MLOs A – E)

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. (CLOs: A – 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 formatting guidelines, and are described below. (CLOs: A – E)

Literature Review Paper: Part 1 - Topic Paragraph Assignment

The student will write a current APA-formatted 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.

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 current APA-formatted title page 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 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 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 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 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 how to diagnose/assess it. The student must integrate course content, current research and scripture into his/her presentation. The presentation will be graded based on its content, aesthetics, and adherence to current APA formatting guidelines. (CLOs: A – 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 Modules: Weeks 1–8 and comprise 50 multiple choice questions. The student will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the quiz. (CLOs: A – E)