Developmental Psychology

Code School Level Credits Semesters
PSGY1006 Psychology 1 10 Autumn UK
Code
PSGY1006
School
Psychology
Level
1
Credits
10
Semesters
Autumn UK

Summary

This module introduces students to the fascinating world of the developing child. Lectures consider different theoretical, applied and experimental approaches to cognitive, linguistic and social developmental from early to late childhood. Topics include the development of thinking, perception, drawing, understanding the mind, intelligence, attachment, language, and moral development.

Target Students

Only available for UG students. This module is not available for Year 3 Psychology students.

Assessment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

This module aims to introduce core concepts of developmental psychology and thus investigate the influence development has on the cognitive, social and intellectual abilities of children and adults. The module will examine different theoretical stances that seek to explain development, and draw on a large variety of empirical and theoretical sources of evidence. The purpose of the module in the context of psychology as a whole is to illustrate how studying child development can help to answer fundamental questions on why people of all ages behave and think in the way they do by introducing key topics, such as the nature-nurture debate, development of perception, knowledge, representation and drawing, problem solving, understanding the mind, forming emotional attachments, aggressive and pro-social behaviour. This module introduces a core area of psychology, forming both the academic basis for further studying in the subject area as well as equipping students to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:
•Students will have knowledge and understanding of core theories and topics in developmental psychology
•Students will understand how to examine key evidence addressing the nature- nurture debate

Intellectual skills – the ability to:
•Evaluate the way in which concepts are defined and measured
•Appraise the relative merits of different theoretical frameworks
•Discuss the nature-nurture debate and illustrate the arguments with evidence
•Apply insights from the academic study of child development to the education sector
•Critical evaluate central arguments concerning policy makers (e.g. the relationship between violent TV programmes and violent behaviour)

Professional/ Practical skills – the ability to: 
•Understand how complex questions can be tested in simple experiments suitable for children
•Critically examine evidence in light of different theoretical frameworks

Transferable (key) skills – the ability to:
•Critically evaluate evidence and ideas in relation to competing theories
•Develop a critical approach in investigating topics
•Communicate accurately and effectively in writing

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.