In introduction to Psychology and Sociology the subject of psychological development has been analysed and explored through a variety of beneficial activities and learning opportunities.

One major focus area our class has been investigating is the impact of deprived environments in childhood on psychological development. After watching an insightful Turning Point episode, Romania: What happened to the children? the real impact of a lack of cognitive, emotional, social, and physical stimulation in infancy/childhood became apparent.

This was followed with an assignment in which our class could exhibit their understanding on deprived and enriched environments, their differences, and effects on psychological development. Additionally, a variety of other imaginative and productive activities have been completed throughout this unit. These included making brain hats to extend our understanding of the brain and playing the Brain Architecture Game, which involved making brain towers out of pipe cleaners, straws and mini weights; demonstrating the relationship between environmental and genetic impacts on psychological development.

Although many of our towers did not go as planned and our brain hats did not stay together, these activities opened our eyes and furthered our understanding of psychological development. Moreover, this enjoyable unit has allowed us new insight into the world of psychology and some of its many aspects.

Written by Intro to Psychology student, Paige Smith.