Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
The family environment is critical for the development of children and for adult adjustment. In this course, we will explore key tasks and challenges of parenting in the 21st century, examining theories, empirical evidence and the social-ecology in which families are situated in. ﾠWe will explore the factors that influence what parents do, examine specific parenting practices and family interactions and effective ways to assess such interactions. Finally, the course will focus on applications of developmental models to intervention and clinical applications, and the role of parenting interventions in the prevention and management of social, emotional, behavioural and health problems.ﾠﾠ
Course requirements
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PSYC1020, PSYC1030, PSYC1040, PSYC2010, PSYC2030
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
PSYC3010
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr April Hoang
Guest lecturer
Professor Matthew Sanders
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The family environment is critical for the development of children and for adult adjustment. In this course, we will explore key theories and models of the development of parenting and family interactions, as well as examine different family structure and functions. We will also look at functional and dysfunctional family relationships and behaviours, and effective ways to assess such interactions. Finally, the course will focus on applications of developmental models to intervention and clinical applications, and the role of parenting interventions in the prevention and management of social, emotional, behavioural and health problems.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand and explain the key theoretical models related to parenting and family development.
LO2.
Distinguish between functional and dysfunctional family interaction patterns, and describe how these develop.
LO3.
Apply a variety of assessment tools and instruments to the evaluation of family interactions.
LO4.
Describe how parenting and the family environment contribute to lifelong adjustment.
LO5.
Evaluate the research literature to assess the evidence base for parenting and family interventions within a developmental and public health framework.
LO6.
Critically analyse messages about parenting and families in policy and the media
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Assessment 1: Online quizzes | 45% |
25/02/2025 - 27/05/2025
Each quiz due by 1pm on day after lecture |
| Essay/ Critique | Assessment 2: Parenting Strategies Essay | 20% |
24/03/2025 1:00 pm |
| Presentation | Assessment 3: Presentation | 20% |
14/04/2025 - 30/05/2025
All presentation slides are due on Monday Week 8 by 13:00. Each student is to submit a file. |
| Practical/ Demonstration | Assessment 4: Observational coding | 15% |
12/05/2025 1:00 pm |
Assessment details
Assessment 1: Online quizzes
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
25/02/2025 - 27/05/2025
Each quiz due by 1pm on day after lecture
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06
Task description
The objective of this piece of assessment is to assess your knowledge and understanding of the course content. Each lecture has readings associated with it, and you will be required to keep up with these readings on a weekly basis. After each lecture you will be given a 5-item multiple-choice quiz which will assess your knowledge of the lecture content and the required readings for that week. You need to complete the quizzes online via the Blackboard site by the due date, i.e. 1pm the day after each lecture. Each multiple choice item will have four options, with only one correct option, and you will receive a mark out of 5 for each of the quizzes. Marks from best 10 of 12 quizzes will be used in calculating your total score. Scores from 10/12 quizzes will be summed and weighted for a score out of 45. You will have 10 minutes to complete each quiz and you will only be able to take each quiz once. You will see each question once and will not be able to go back to questions presented earlier within each quiz.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Only 10 out of the 12 quizzes count towards your final mark.
Assessment 2: Parenting Strategies Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
24/03/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This piece of assessment is a brief essay (max. 1000 words) in which you are asked to select ONE parenting strategy from the list below and to summarise the key issues relating to the use of this strategy by parents in the context of child development. In particular, you need to:
- Describe the strategy: What is it that the parent does when using this strategy? What factors (e.g., timing, intensity, frequency) make this strategy more or less effective?
- Discuss the rationale: Why is this strategy important for child development and/or why do parents choose to use this strategy?
- Examine the evidence: What is the empirical evidence supporting or contradicting the use of this strategy? What are the strengths and limitations of this strategy?
Select only ONE of the following parenting strategies for your essay:
Affection; Attending to positive behaviour; Incidental teaching; Clear, calm instructions; Logical consequences; Backward chaining; Diversion; Planned ignoring; Quiet time; Praise; Modelling; Directed discussion; Quality time; Engaging activities; Behaviour/star charts; Talking to children; Forward chaining (ask, say, do); House rules; Time out; Activity schedules; Smacking
Submission guidelines
All assignments must be submitted via the Blackboard website for this course.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment 3: Presentation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
14/04/2025 - 30/05/2025
All presentation slides are due on Monday Week 8 by 13:00. Each student is to submit a file.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L05, L06
Task description
Website Presentation
The purpose of this assessment piece is to familiarise students with the online resources aimed at Australian parents. This assessment aims to help you develop in communicating, familiarising with the online context of parenting and analysing information presented to parents. You can choose any website which has relevance to parenting, however it does not have to be a website about parenting specifically. You may choose either government websites or those provided by not-for-profit or commercial entities. The website does not have to be based in Australia, but if it is not, it must be targeted at Australian parents.
The task is to present your findings at your allocated tutorial. Try to make your presentation as interesting as possible. Each student needs to submit a copy of the presentation slides via the Blackboard site by the due date (and please note that this is not necessarily the same, as the day you will present).
The presentation needs to address the following elements:
- What is the website about? Provide a description of the website and its aims. Give sufficient detail to ensure the audience understands what the website is designed for. Describe who the website is developed/supported by – for example indicate whether it is a government website, a discussion board or a commercial site. Provide a link to the relevant websites or documents.
- Who is the target audience of the website and who uses the website? Describe who the website is aimed at and discuss groups or populations that are excluded. Provide any information on website use, for example websites may indicate how many members they have or how many parents access their website. Consider whether the stated targets of the website match the actual users.
- How is the website relevant for parents? Describe the type of information and/or support parents are likely to gain from the website. Consider any potential harms which may arise from parents accessing the website.
- What are the strengths and limitation of the website? Describe the features of the website that are more or less effective. For example, consider the extent to which the website is user friendly, promotes equality, any scientific evidence which has been used to guide its development, moderator policies.
- Summary and recommendations: Discuss relevant recommendation with regards to the website. For example, provide a summary of how the website could be improved and/or extended.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If you are unable to complete your presentation you should submit your appropriate documentation (as per the extension policy) to your tutor and/or course coordinator to arrange for an alternate time to complete your presentation.
Extensions can only be applied on the slide uploads.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment 4: Observational coding
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
12/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04
Task description
This assessment piece gives you the opportunity to practice conducting coding of family interactions, and to familiarise you with the Family Observation System. For this assessment, you will be required to code an approximately 5-minute segment of a family interaction, using the Family Observation Schedule (FOS). You will be introduced to the FOS and trained in using the FOS during tutorials. You will be required to submit an Excel data file using the template provided on Blackboard. Your mark for this assignment will be based on the reliability (i.e. kappa score) you achieve in your coding. The details of coding, how to use the Excel data file, and submission requirements, as well as information on how reliability is calculated will be presented in depth during tutorials.
Submission guidelines
This assignment must be submitted via the Blackboard website for this course.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 47.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 63.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 64 - 73.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74 - 83.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 84 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
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Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 1 Course introduction Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 2 Parenting today Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 Overview of tutorial program Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 3 Tasks & challenges of parenting I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 Positive Parenting Strategies Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 4 Tasks & challenges of parenting II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Analysing websites/apps Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 5 Determinants of parenting I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 Observational assessment I Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Lecture 6 Determinants of parenting II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 Observational Assessment II Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Lecture 7 Culture and parenting Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 Observational assessment III Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Lecture 8 Building children's strengths Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 Presentations I Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Midsemester Break |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Lecture 9 Parenting and child health, physical activity and nutrition Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 Presentations II Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Lecture 10 Parenting a child with a developmental disability Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 Presentations III Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Lecture 11 History of parenting interventions Learning outcomes: L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 Presentations IV Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Lecture 12 Supporting parents Learning outcomes: L06 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11 Presentations V Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: