Unit 6 Discussion Topic 1Discussion Topic
Discussions are fundamental to shared learning, so please be sure to participate early and often! Studying psychological theory from a historical perspective is a very important part of your educational and career path.
As you move through each unit in this course, you will be reading about different theories and who developed them. Each week, you will be asked to apply one of the major theories to a case example which you will create.
The application of the theory to the case will highlight how a theory that may have been developed over a century ago ties to real life examples in the field of psychology today. As you move further into your career, you will often see these ties in your daily work. The Discussion topics are an excellent preparation for your learning to take theory and put it into practice.
After you have completed the Reading, and without reviewing your classmates' responses, post your initial response to the following Discussion. Your post should be at least in length and should extend the discussion of the group supported by your course materials and/or other appropriate resources.
After you have submitted your initial post, take time to review your classmates' responses and to respond specifically and substantially to at least two of them.
For this week's Discussion you can choose between Discussion 1 and Discussion 2. You do not need to complete both. Choose one scenario below to respond to the discussion.
Discussion Topic 1: Myesha
Myesha is a four-year-old female growing up in a two-parent family and has one older sister (age 7). She lives in a middle class neighborhood where there are many young children and a neighborhood park. She likes to go to the park and play with other children. Her parents have become very concerned that while she can talk, her words do not sound like those of other children. She often seems to misunderstand what others say, though her parents know that she understands the words. They are frustrated because it seems that she can understand what she hears occasionally, but not always. They know that she will struggle in kindergarten next year if this does not change.
They had her hearing tested. It is normal.
Their daughter's teacher suggested that they have Myesha tested for a Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) which can be a reason for her slight speech delay and hearing problems.
Explain how speech is understood in the brain using one of the word recognition models from your reading. Describe how word recognition is important to treating Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPDs). What treatments might be used to help Myesha recognize words better?
Unit 6 Discussion Topic 2Discussion Topic
Discussion Topic 2: Cameron
Cameron is a seventeen-year-old male who plays high school football. He is a gifted linebacker who has taken many hits during games. In his last game, he had a concussion that sent him off the field. He had a headache and blurry vision, but said that he felt fine. He was not allowed back to play in that game as a precaution. Later that week, he noticed that he was still getting headaches and had problems sleeping. He also reported that he was struggling to concentrate in his college classes. His friends noticed that he seemed irritable, which is uncharacteristic for him. The team doctors referred Cameron to a neurologist for tests that showed that he had suffered a mild traumatic brain injury (MBTI).
Explain how a brain injury can cause physical and cognitive problems. What parts of the brain are most affected by concussions (e.g. children or adults)? Which treatments might be used to help Cameron to recover from his MBTI?