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psychlotron.org.uk
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Name of resource: Studies of Early Infant Abilities 'murder mystery' activity
Author(s): Aidan Sammons
Specification: AQA-B
Details: Activity for learning about studies of early infant abilities.  Laminate and cut out the cards, as many
sets as you need.  The cards contain descriptions of four studies.  Students play in groups of three or four.

RULES

Deal out the cards between the group members.
Elect a 'writer' for the group.
The task is to arrive at a shared understanding of the methods and results of the fours studies.
Only the writer may write anything down.
Everyone can talk, but no-one may look at anyone else's cards.

Give 10 minutes for the main activity then either (1) do a Q&A feedback session or (2) give a 5-10 minute
free writing test in which students describe each study in as much detail as they can.  

Extension questions (give to early finishers, or use as a follow up):

1.  What conclusions could be drawn from each of the studies?
2.  Do any of the studies raise methodological or ethical issues?

Reflection question (definitely worth asking):

I could have given you ten minute presentation/lecture on these studies.  Why did I do it this way instead?