SOCIAL AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT WITH RESEARCH METHODS - 2026/7

Module Overview

This module explores key theories, methods, and findings in social and cognitive development across the lifespan. It integrates theoretical understanding with critical evaluation skills, enabling students to analyse and critique developmental research. Through lectures and seminars, students develop the ability to evaluate studies and propose new research, while gaining insight into how development is shaped by social, cultural, and individual differences.

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

WONG Yetta (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

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

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Child Development in

• Attachment theory
• Socio-cultural theories
• Emotion
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Language
• Literacy

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

If a student has worked with their group to prepare the presentation and then has an EC because they can't attend on the day they will be required to present their part of the presentation to the module lead at an agreed time. 

If a student is unable to work in a group (due to non-engagement or ECs) they will have an individual presentation.

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. the ability to communicate a critical evaluation of a research design.

   Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• One group presentation
• One examination

They will provide process evidence of developing the assignment.

Formative assessment

The understanding of the topics will be assessed by multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions or other group learning activities during lectures, seminars or guided-learning activities. Feedback from students will also be used to assess learning during seminar and lectures.   

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 critically evaluating a developmental study and engaging in study design;
• Increase understanding of how development occurs in a socio-cultural context;
• Provide students with opportunities to be critical and effective communicators

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 course assignment and exam. The module will:

• Give you the skills to critically evaluate studies and theories in developmental psychology
• 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
• 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

 The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Tutorials

Based on active learning by engaging with readings before the seminars and completing questions relating to the readings during the seminars and peer interaction, you will be taught to develop schemas for reading journals and to conduct research. Attendance will increase active learning.

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: PSYM096

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, and democratic) populations. We will also read research discussing effects of discrimination, racism, and sexism on child development.

Digital Capabilities:

Students will develop digital research and evaluation skills through engagement with digital materials and research resources used in developmental psychology. Students will access experimental materials, study documentation, and supporting resources through SurreyLearn, and will use online academic databases to locate and evaluate relevant literature when critically examining the study design provided by the instructor. Guidance will be provided on the responsible use of approved AI tools to support learning.

Employability:

The learning aims and assessments are designed to develop students' employability skills. These skills include incorporating formative feedback, managing a project deadline, and critical evaluation. 

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.