PS218-15 Developmental Psychology
Introductory description
The module builds on the first year developmental module of PS112 'Psychology in Context' by exploring current research in infancy, childhood and adolescence.
Module aims
The key findings in Developmental Psychology will be linked to examples from atypical development and education. The module is necessarily selective and focuses primarily on cognitive and social development in childhood. The module links with the adult cognitive and social psychological literature, particularly in the areas of reasoning, language and social relationships.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Developmental beginnings
Cognitive development
Language development
Memory and Number development
Cognitive development in wider contexts
Children’s close relationships
Peers, popularity, and views of the self
Moral development
Understanding of emotions and mental states
Adolescence
Revision
Revision
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand classical and contemporary theoretical views of child development.
- Describe and evaluate the main findings in cognitive developmental psychological research.
- Describe and evaluate the main findings in social developmental psychological research.
- Show an understanding of how different influences interact in development.
Indicative reading list
Gillibrand, R., Lam, V., & O’Donnell, V. (2011). Developmental Psychology. Harlow: Prentice-Hall
Slater, A. & Bremner, J.G. (2011). An Introduction to Developmental Psychology (2nd ed). Oxford: Blackwell
Thornton, S. (2008). Understanding Human Development. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
Subject specific skills
critical evaluation of psychological research, understanding how different influences interact in development, employ evidence-based reasoning and examine issues associated with the range of methodologies;
Transferable skills
make appropriate use of journal articles, and of research catalogues to locate relevant articles
use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information
effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 sessions of 2 hours (16%) |
| Seminars | 4 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Private study | 122 hours (81%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
guided student study
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group D2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical review | 33% | Yes (extension) | |
| Online Examination | 67% | No | |
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Feedback on assessment
Essays via annotated paper copy and academic guidance form; exam performance via personal \r\ntutor or online.
Post-requisite modules
If you pass this module, you can take:
- PS348-15 Issues in Families and Development
- PS372-15 The Psychology of Intellectual Disabilities and Sensory Impairments
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 2 of UPHA-VL78 BA in Philosophy with Psychology
- Year 2 of UPSA-C800 Undergraduate Psychology
This module is Core optional for:
- Year 2 of UIPA-C8L8 Undergraduate Psychology and Global Sustainable Development
- Year 3 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies
- Year 2 of UPSA-C802 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics
This module is Optional for:
- Year 2 of UECA-3 Undergraduate Economics 3 Year Variants
- Year 2 of UECA-LM1D Undergraduate Economics, Politics and International Studies
- Year 2 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies
This module is Core option list A for:
- Year 3 of UPSA-C802 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics