Developmental psychology
Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how and why human beings change over the course of their life. Originally concerned with infants and children, the field has expanded to include adolescence, adult development, aging, and the entire lifespan.
Developmental psychology is a multidisciplinary framework, with much attention being paid to the distinction between ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’ and the status genetic and environmental explanations for psychological development. The aim of this module is to underpin our understanding of the development of behaviour and cognition throughout the lifespan, with specific focus on childhood.
- Introduction to developmental psychology
- Biology and development
- Brain and senses
- Developmental stages
- Language and knowledge
- Attachment and emotion
- Morality, psychopathology and aggression
- Theory of mind and parenting
- Parenting and families
- Roles in the community.
If you complete the course successfully, you should be able to:
- Understand and describe the main theoretical views in developmental psychology.
- Describe social and cognitive development and their biological underpinnings.
- Understand and describe the nature of common developmental disorders.
- Describe the key features of family and community influences on child development.s
