SOCIAL AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT WITH RESEARCH METHODS¿ - 2026/7

Module Overview

This module builds on empirical research and the theories in Developmental 1 as well as introducing
new theories and empirical research. It also enables you to demonstrate your prior knowledge of
Jamovi and statistical techniques gained in first- and second-year statistics as well as skills gained
report writing in Bio 2. In this module we will critically evaluate empirical research and theoretical
knowledge. One way we will engage in critical evaluation is to examine whether previous work is crossculturally valid.
You will develop your written and numerical communication skills by performing data analysis, writing
up a research report, and evaluating a topic in-depth for the exam.

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

WONG Yetta (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

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

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:
Child Development in
Attachment theory
Socio-cultural theories
Play
Emotion
Media
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Language
Literacy
The small-scale research study will introduce you to quantitative research methods and the design,
execution, and analysis of a study. This will include multiple opportunities to develop digital literacy,
including the evaluation of previous theory, development of research tools using knowledge learnt
throughout the module and gaining experience of transferable skills, such as coding of interviews
scripts, and integration of this analysis with prior theory. The exam will provide students with
opportunities to demonstrate in-depth critical evaluation of developmental theories and evidence.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate:
1. core knowledge in developmental psychology
2. an ability to critically evaluate the appropriateness of different methodological approaches and
theoretical approaches to developmental psychological problems
3. appreciation of the stages of the developmental psychological research process
4. an ability to evaluate development in its socio-cultural context, which will help you to develop
global and cultural capabilities
5. statistical knowledge, which will increase your digital capabilities
6. a schema for how to write up research in an APA-style repor
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
One research methods report (60%, 6 pages using formatted template)
One 4 hour essay format examination (40%)
Formative assessment
Throughout the module you will receive verbal feedback in question and answer sessions linked to the
lectures as well as dialogue between students and staff in lectures and tutorials. There will also be MCQ
questions at the end of each lecture so you can assess your understanding.
In addition, you will receive feedback on the coding scheme portion of the research report. Third, you
will receive generic written feedback on examinations. The ability to incorporate different types of
feedback is needed in the workplace

Module aims

• provide an in-depth coverage of children's development
• explore the theories, methods, and applications of developmental psychology in relation to a variety
  of topics
• develop research ability through guided practical work in carrying out, analyzing and writing up a
  small-scale developmental study, and setting this in an appropriate theoretical and empirical
  context
• increase understanding of how development occurs in a socio-cultural context
• provide students with opportunities to be critical and effective communicators, through written
  assessment

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to ensure the module aims are met and students
perform optimally in respect to the learning outcomes.

During the lectures, students are provided with core knowledge, which we will then together critically
evaluate in the lectures and seminars through exploring individual differences, operational definitions and cultural perspectives. As a result, you will learn how to critically evaluate theories and empirical evidence in developmental psychology. You will then be able to demonstrate this knowledge from in the
research report and exam. The module will:

- Give you the skills to critically evaluate theory in developmental psychology as assessed both in the
exam and the research report
- Provide you with core foundational knowledge in developmental psychology and the ability to
critique the conclusions of this knowledge base by answering the exam question
- Give you an enhanced literacy (including methodological and statistical literacy) of the current
research in the field through using Jamovi and reporting your findings in the research repo
- Develop the capacity to explain and to narrate the development of a research questions in the
research report
- Develop a critical understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the major research
methods used in psychology through critical analysis of a topic on the exam

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: PSY2030

Other information

Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students will read research from scholars from the global south, and learning outcomes focused on diversity and equality. These learning outcomes detailed that students should be able children from global majority ethnic backgrounds to critically evaluate whether particular developmental theories should be modified based on data from non-WEIRD (Western, educated, industrial, rich, a democratic) populations. We will also read research discussing effects of discrimination, racism, and sexism on child development. Digital Capabilities: Students are provided with multiple opportunities to develop their digital literacy, including searching for articles and using open-source statistical software, Jamovi. Employability: The learning aims and assessments are designed to develop students¿ employability skills. These skills include incorporating formative feedback, managing a project deadline, and writing a report. The lab report also supports students to improve their numeracy and writing skills, both important in the workplace.

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 2026/7 academic year.