| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
To introduce students to the broad aims and methods of developmental and social psychological research. In the process of doing this, students are introduced to the major research methods and theories in developmental psychology and to several major topics and research areas that have captured the attention of social psychologists throughout the course of modern social psychology; this part of the module specifically focuses of group behaviour.
This module provides an introduction to two major areas of psychological research and theory. Developmental psychology is taught in the first half, which covers prenatal development, perceptual and motor development during infancy, and some of the most influential theories of child cognitive development; Piaget and Vygotsky. An introduction is also given to disorders of social cognition and emotion and to the transition from childhood to adolescence, adulthood and old age.
Social psychology is taught in the second half of the module, focusing primarily on adult social behaviour and groups. Within the realm of social psychology, the student is introduced to major areas of research and theory including the power of social influence and conformity, interactions in and between groups and leadership roles. Examples of classic social psychological research are provided as well as a discussion of other research methods typically used by social psychologists. The aim of both sections of the course is to provide a foundation for modules in future years of the degree.
The sessions will cover:
Prenatal development
Main research methods in developmental psychology
Perceptual & motor development
Cognitive development
Piaget’s theory of cognitive development
Alternative theories of cognitive development: Vygotsky, Case and Fisher.
Social psychology in a modern society
Social influences
Conformity to group norms
Intra-group behaviour
Inter-group behaviour Group member roles and leadership
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Academic Staff Contact Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | 0:00 | Preparation for examination |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | 24:00 | All 12 lectures are interactive |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | 0:00 | Assigned reading after every lecture – 2 hour per week |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | 0:00 | Completion of small group tasks |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 37 | 1:00 | 37:00 | 0:00 | Revise lecture notes |
| Total | 100:00 | 24:00 |
Lectures will provide the framework for introducing core concepts in developmental and social psychology. During the session students will be encouraged to interact with each other through the use of discussion exercises and short group tasks. Video recordings of children engaged in classic developmental psychology studies will be used to show research in practice. Question and Answer sessions will follow each lecture, and will be related to the lecture materials. Students will attempt short quiz questions individually, before the lecturer provides detailed answers, accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation and oral commentary. Private and self study, using the recommended text will provide further depth of understanding.
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 100 | Unseen, multiple choice |
The PC exam will involve students answering a series of multiple choice questions. At the introductory level of developmental and social psychology, it is essential for students to have a broad knowledge base upon which they develop deeper insight and understanding of psychological research in the subsequent stages of the degree. The exam has therefore been designed to assess students for their breadth of understanding of the course material, but also a certain level of depth.
Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.