Module ERPM006Z for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
ERPM006Z: Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
The aim of the module will be to introduce you to the study of cognition and development.
As well as being introduced to some of the ways in which psychologists study development (including, for example, observational and experimental procedures, longitudinal and cross-sectional methods) you will also be introduced to a range of theoretical viewpoints which relate to these areas of study. You will be encouraged to apply these viewpoints to some of the major questions which have been raised in relation to cognition and development. This might include, for example, the roles of nature and nurture, stages of intellectual development and the development of language and social cognition. You will also be asked to examine the empirical research evidence relating to these key topics, including data which may derive from adult participants.
A major aim of the module will be for you to begin to understand what children and adolescents are like, what informs their understanding and how methods are used to build an effective and authoritative body of empirical research knowledge on them. You will be presented with ideas about children and childhood – relating both to their views and experiences, and those of the adults who might teach or parent them. This knowledge and understanding will prepare you to comment on and address some of the most pressing issues relating to young people in our society today.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Describe basic concepts and findings in the area of cognitive development 2. Describe basic concepts and findings concerning human cognition 3. Indicate familiarity with a range of key theoretical viewpoints relating to development and cognition 4. Identify research designs and methods suitable for studying cognitive development, and for use with children and adolescents 5. Give examples of key empirical studies which have addressed some of the major societal questions relating to cognition and development |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 6. Demonstrate good basic knowledge and understanding of the conceptual issues which are central to the subject 7. Review and evaluate empirical research evidence and published literature in the field of study, identifying strengths and weaknesses 8. Address problems critically, creatively and systematically 9. Apply theory and consider empirical research evidence in relation to real world problems in order to identify potential solutions or new areas of investigation |
| Personal and Key Skills | 10. Develop logical and coherent arguments in your written work 11. Evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses, making use of peer and tutor feedback 12. Manage your time effectively and undertake essential study tasks, making use of the guidance available |
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written assignment (essay outline for summative assessment and reference list) | 1000 words | 1-10,12 | Written comments |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assignment (Written Essay) | 90 | 4000 words | 1-10,12 | Written feedback and grade |
| Engagement log | 10 | 500 words | 11-12 | Written feedback and grade |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assignment (4000 words) | Written Assignment (4000 words) | 1-10,12 | Ref/def period |
| Engagement log | Engagement log | 11-12 | Ref/def period |
Re-assessment notes
Where you have been referred/deferred in your written assignment you will be required to resubmit it in the August referral and deferral period. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%; deferred marks are not capped.
