Child Development in the News

How is research on child development represented in our society? Educational policy should be informed by current research. Toys and videos fly off the shelves when they claim that research demonstrates that they advance children?s development. But what is the evidence for these claims? In this course, we will explore how child development is reported in the popular press and to support the developmental industry. We will critically evaluate the research that is the foundation of these reports to see if the claims are valid. We will also discuss whether the empirical findings are being applied appropriately. Students will become critical consumers of research findings and their application to development. Students will also make presentations and write papers reflecting their evaluations. PRS, QUA, REA, WRI