PSY1002 : Developmental and Social Psychology
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Tascha Clapperton
- Lecturer: Dr Trevor James
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
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 and social psychology
Outline Of Syllabus
This module provides an introduction to two major areas of psychological research and theory. Developmental psychology 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. We take a lifespan perspective of developmental psychology to encompass both childhood and the ageing process.
Social psychology focuses on adult social behaviour. Within the realm of social psychology, the student is introduced to major areas of research and theory including impression formation and stereotypes, the power of social influence and conformity, interactions in and between groups.. 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 areas of the course is to provide a foundation for modules in future years of the degree.
Indicative content that the sessions may cover:
Prenatal development
Main research methods in developmental psychology
Perceptual development
Motor development
Socio-Emotional Development
Cognitive development: Piaget and Vygotsky Lifespan Development: Considering age-related challenges
Impression formation, stereotypes and prejudice
The Self and Self-concept
Social influences (including compliance, conformity and obedience)
Intra-group behaviour
Inter-group behaviour
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Present in person: Lectures include interactive activities |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 34 | 1:00 | 34:00 | Preparation for assessment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Non-synchronous completion of online tasks – attached to each lecture (4 x Developmental, 4x Social) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Present in person session - Group task in lecture theatre |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 36 | 1:00 | 36:00 | Revise lecture notes: independent learning Assigned reading after every lecture |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
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 tasks. Video footage of studies will be used to show research in practice and to demonstrate theoretical aspects. There will be Question and Answer sessions related to the lecture materials. There will be hand-outs which are to be completed both during the session and in their own time. These will help to provide a revision aid for students. Lectures will include PowerPoint presentation and oral commentary. Private and self-study, using the recommended text will provide further depth of understanding.
If the public health situation requires a pivot to remote learning, then teaching will be delivered remotely.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 100 | Multiple choice questions (90), unseen, present-in-person. |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC Examination | 1 | M | MCQ to formatively assess knowledge, 50% on Developmental Psychology and 50% on Social Psychology (25 questions each, 2 hrs) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The PC exam will involve students answering a series of multiple choice questions. The exam will be presented in two parts covering the developmental and social aspects: Part 1 will follow the delivery of the developmental part and Part 2 will follow the delivery of the social part. 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.
If the public health situation requires a pivot to remote assessment, then the examination will be delivered remotely.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY1002's Timetable