Overview

Developmental Psychology module is designed to introduce students to the study of child development and present theoretical background, methodologies, some of the key research questions, and findings across a broad range of topics that have been studied in children.

Topics covered in lectures shall include: introduction to developmental psychology; early development and infancy; development of perception and learning; classical theories and context for development; development of social cognition, imitation, and theory of mind; development of emotions, aggression, altruism, and attachment. We will also consider the ways in which research findings can be applied to improve developmental outcomes for children and their families.

Assessment Strategy

Assessment in this module includes coursework and a final exam.

Coursework is designed to assess the students' ability to engage in independent scholarship and present their findings in writing.

Final exam is designed to assess the broad knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the module.

Grading follows Bangor University standards.

Threshold: Adequate writing, largely based on lecture material and simplified outlines of studies. No real development of arguments. Demonstrates familiarity with key developmental concepts introduced in the module but without elaboration. Some errors. Students who perform at this level would receive D-, D, or D+ grades (numerical equivalent: 40-49%).

Good: Reasonably comprehensive coverage but with some small errors or omissions. Writing is organised and fairly structured. Good understanding of the material and some evidence of engagement. Students who perform at this level would receive C-, C, or C+ grades (numerical equivalent: 50-59%).

Very good: Comprehensive coverage, good writing, well organised and structured. Very good understanding of the material; evidence of scholarship and engagement. Students who perform at this level would receive B-, B, or B+ grades (numerical equivalent: 60-69%).

Excellent: Comprehensive and accurate coverage of the area with clarity of argument and expression. Depth of insight into theoretical and methodological issues. Evidence of scholarship, independent thinking, and detailed knowledge of developmental topics covered in the module. Students who perform at this level would receive A-, A, A+, or A* grades (numerical equivalent: 70-100%).

Learning Outcomes

• Communicate some of recent research in developmental psychology in a way that can be helpful to specified target (specialist or lay) audiences.

• Consider developmental psychology as a science in its wider societal and cultural context; examine some of its key concepts, ethical issues, and other influences.

• Critically evaluate issues surrounding some of the major topics studied by developmental psychologist within the framework of relevant theoretical perspectives.

• Describe the major stages and processes in children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development.

• Understand major concepts in developmental psychology and theoretical approaches to the study of child development, including biological, cognitive, and social developmental perspectives.

• Understand research methods used to investigate the origins of individual differences in children and evaluate their strengths and limitations.

• Understand the origins and impact of some of main childhood development issues and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions designed to alleviate these problems.

• Working independently, search the literature to learn about methods and findings used to investigate specific topics, and consider their strengths and shortcomings.