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 |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary over time, the syllabus will consider a range of issues that relate to both cognition and development. The syllabus will consider theory, research and methodology in these areas of study. Content is likely to maintain a focus on:
- Research approaches for the investigation of cognition and development, particularly in relation to children and young people
- Classic and contemporary theoretical perspectives in cognitive and developmental psychology
- Major issues addressed by cognitive and developmental psychologists (e.g. intellectual development, memory, developmental stages, intelligence and metacognition)
- ‘Real world’ problems of concern to cognitive and developmental psychologists (e.g. behaviour, thought, language, attention and control)
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | 123 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 27 | Engagement online with taught content |
| Guided Independent Study | 27 | Reading (textbooks, journal articles, web resources and lecture slides) in preparation for taught sessions and for assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Work on assessments |
| Guided Independent Study | 9 | Collation and review of taught materials |
| Guided Independent Study | 27 | Undertaking additional tasks and activities (e.g. on ELE) and preparing for online taught content |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
