DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH RESEARCH METHODS 1 - 2021/2

Module Overview

This module is intended to cover the core BPS curriculum in developmental psychology and as such is a broad coverage module dealing with a range of topics in the sub-discipline, including cognitive, social and emotional development across the lifespan.  It introduces developmental psychology as an evidence-based science and there is a focus on the different methods used to research topics in this area. 

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

WILLIAMS Emma (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

1. Attachment


2. Piagetian & Neo-Piagetian approaches


3. Motor development


4. Severe deprivation 


5. Theory of Mind


6. Adolescence


7. Development of the self-concept


8. Peer relations


9. Face-processing


10. Perceptual development in infancy


11. Revision

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

1. an understanding of the basic concepts and principal theoretical issues that are involved in the study of developmental phenomena 


2. an understanding of the wide range of research methods which are used by developmental psychologists


3. an understanding and appreciation of how theories in developmental psychology can be tested using empirical evidence 


4. an ability to develop critical arguments about the nature of human psychological development supported by appropriate empirical evidence and theory

• MCQ exam lasting 60 minutes, consisting of 36 questions (20%)


• Essay (80%)

• Feedback on course essay


• Verbal feedback in tutorials


• Verbal feedback in lectures


• Feedback from in class short MCQ test for students to assess their progress

Module aims

• Developmental psychology as an evidence-based science.
• A range of theories concerning the nature of human psychological development,
• A range of research methods which can be used to collect evidence in order to test these theories, and
• Some of the main conclusions which have been drawn about these theories in the

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The lectures will be delivered across an 11 week period, with each lecture lasting 2 hours. The final lecture will consist of a consolidation session in which practice will be given in answering multi-choice questions (MCQ’s) related to the material covered in the course. There will also be two subject tutorials, each lasting 2 hours, which will be conducted in groups of approximately 30 students.

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Give students first-hand familiarity with the thinking and writing of foundational developmental psychologists


• Give students an enhanced literacy (including methodological and statistical literacy) of the current research in the field


• Develop the capacity to develop a critical argument supported by appropriate developmental empirical evidence and theory


• Develop a critical understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of particular research methods used by developmental psychologists

• Lectures of 2 hours duration for 11 weeks


• Two subject tutorials, each lasting 2 hours


• Use of Surrey Learn for the presentation of additional video and audio material to support the learning in lectures/tutorials


• Use of Surrey Learn discussion board facility

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PSY1018

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.