BSc Psychology

This course unit builds upon the developmental psychology introduced in First Year. In this course unit, we will explore higher order developmental processes from early childhood through to adolescence. We will first focus on how children learn language, beginning with the early social and cognitive precursors to language development, then moving on to early word learning and later combinatorial speech. The second half of this course unit focuses on social and cognitive development, specifically the development of the concept of self, exploration during play, morality, and theory of mind in early childhood. 

Describe, using appropriate empirical evidence:

-          the stages of communicative development in the first three years of life

-          children’s development of self-concept

-          role of play and exploration exhibited in the preschool years

-          the development of cooperative and morally-directed behaviour throughout childhood and into                                      adolescence

-          theory of mind research in typically developing children

Critically evaluate, in the light of appropriate empirical evidence:

-          competing theoretical accounts of how children learn to talk

-          the importance of play to children’s social and cognitive development

-          theory of mind research

-          theoretical accounts of morality

-          critically evaluate theories of children’s development using appropriate empirical evidence

-          critically evaluate developmental research with reference to methodological considerations

-          synthesise a body of developmental research to produce a well reasoned and supported argument

-          arrive at and present a clear conclusion on the basis of an evaluation of appropriate empirical evidence

-          use a range of sources (library, internet, electronic databases) to gather information

-          plan how to construct a written argument based around appropriate empirical evidence

-          engage via online discussion forums with peers and academic staff

-   describe a variety of sentence types and grammatical categories using appropriate linguistic terminology

-   independently gather and select the most relevant information from a body of work by using online and library sources

-   appreciate the cognitive and social abilities and understanding of children at different ages

-   draw on empirical research in developmental psychology to understand how children’s knowledge can be assessed in age-appropriate ways

          -    work in a self-directed and supported way to achieve stated goals; Engage in group discussions and make contributions to a collective goal.

Blackboard quizzes worth 10% and an essay based exam worth 90%.

Students will receive a grade and individual/cohort feedback.