Question: Final Project Guidelines

Overview: The final project for this course is the creation of a case application paper that includes an in-depth analysis of a selected case study. Students will choose an individual such as a known historical figure, a celebrity, a fictional character, or an individual known personally to the student (ALL identifying information must be eliminated from the paper in the case of the last option). The selected individual must be a child or adolescent with a cognitive disorder or a learning disability, and enough information must be available to include the following in the analysis:

• A description of the chosen disorder and a comparison between normal brain function and the brain function of a person with the disorder

• An evaluation of the relationship between psychological and physiological aspects of the disorder and the resulting negative effects on daily functioning

• An assessment of the impact of recent technological advancements on the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder

• Recommendations for appropriate treatment options and coping mechanisms for the selected case and other people with the disorder

• Preventative measures that may be employed for others who may be at risk for the disorder

The case application paper should be a 10-12-page Word document. The final product represents an authentic demonstration of competencies highlighted by the course outcomes because the paper requires students to 1) analyze brain areas associated with a disorder and corresponding behavioral deficits, 2) review existing research and apply the literature to a topic in cognitive neuropsychology, and 3) assess diagnostic techniques, summarize effective treatments, and analyze possible outcomes of those treatments. The project is divided into three milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Modules Three, Five, and Seven. The final product will be submitted in Module Nine.

This assessment will assess your mastery with respect to the following course outcomes:

PSY-634-01 Analyze the relationship between psychological and physiological aspects of cognitive processes

PSY-634-02 Analyze the impact that recent advancements in technology have had on the field of cognitive neuropsychology

PSY-634-03 Compare the neuropsychological functions of a normal functioning brain with those of individuals diagnosed with common cognitive dysfunctions PSY-634-04 Assess the appropriateness of employing neuropsychological methods in the diagnosis and treatment of common cognitive dysfunctions

Note: Topics should include neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessment

PSY-634-05 Recommend possible coping mechanisms and prevention strategies for children and adolescents experiencing or who are at risk for common cognitive issues using the principles of cognitive neuropsychology

The following critical elements must be addressed:

Prompt

1. Cognitive Processes

a. What are some psychological aspects of cognitive processes? [PSY-634-01]

b. What are some physiological aspects of cognitive processes? [PSY-634-01]

c. What is the relationship between psychological and physiological aspects of cognitive processes? [PSY-634-01]

d. How does both psychological and physiological dysfunction negatively affect daily functioning? [PSY-634-01]

2. Technological Advancements [PSY-634-02]

a. How have recent advancements in technology impacted the field of cognitive neuropsychology?

3. Neuropsychological Function

a. What are the neuropsychological characteristics of a normal functioning brain? [PSY-624-03]

b. What neuropsychological disruptions occur in an individual diagnosed with the cognitive dysfunction of the chosen child or adolescent? [PSY- 624-03]

c. How does the neuropsychological functioning in a normal functioning brain compare to neuropsychological functioning with an individual diagnosed with the cognitive dysfunction of the chosen child or adolescent? [PSY-624-03]

4. Diagnosis and Treatment

a. What neuropsychological methods would be appropriate in diagnosing and treating a common cognitive dysfunction? [PSY-634-04]

b. Does neuroimaging play a role in diagnosing and treating common cognitive dysfunction? Explain. [PSY-634-04]

c. What role does neuropsychological assessment play in diagnosing and treating common cognitive dysfunctions? [PSY-634-04]

5. Coping Mechanisms and Prevention Strategies

a. What types of coping mechanisms would you recommend for a child or adolescent experiencing these cognitive issues? [PSY-634-05]

b. How might cognitive issues be prevented in children or adolescents who may be at elevated risk for developing dysfunction? [PSY-634-05]

c. What role do the principles of cognitive neuropsychology play in developing coping mechanisms and prevention strategies for children and/or adolescents who are at risk or are experiencing these cognitive issues? [PSY-634-05]

Milestone One: Topic Submission

Milestones: In task 3-1, you will submit your topic choice for your case application paper. You will submit your case study choice and the reason why you have chosen this individual via the Discussion Forum. This milestone is graded with the Discussion Rubric.

Milestone Two: Annotated Bibliography

In task 5-3, you will submit your annotated bibliography. The format should be a Word document listing at least eight resources you will use to support your case study and a paragraph explanation of how each resource will support your case application paper. This milestone is graded with the Milestone Two Rubric.

Milestone Three: Rough Draft

In task 7-2, you will submit a rough draft of your case application paper. The format should be a nearly complete draft of the final product and should be at least 8-10 pages in length. This milestone is graded with the Milestone Three Rubric.

Final Product: Final Project Submission: Case Application Paper

In task 9-3, you will submit your case application paper. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the main elements of the final product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course.