Introductory description

The module builds on the first year developmental section of 'Psychology in Context' by exploring current research in infancy, childhood and adolescence.

Module aims

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