This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Developmental social psychology aims to understand the developmental path of the social psychological processes involved in human thought and action. The underlying premise of this expanding, yet relatively new, field is that an understanding of any social psychological phenomena is only possible once we explain when and how it develops. This area of study has grown from a recognition that social psychologists rarely include a developmental dimension to their explanations, while developmentalists often ignore the social basis of human development. SP842 Advanced Developmental Social Psychology aims to provide students with a strong understanding of the theoretical accounts of major issues within the field of developmental social psychology (e.g. the development of prejudice and social identity, the impact of gender and racial stereotyping, language development, peer influence). Students will also be exposed to a variety of research methods employed by developmental psychologists and will develop the ability to critically evaluate these methods.
Total contact hours: 22 hours
Private study hours: 178 hours
Total study hours: 200 hours
Compulsory to:
Developmental Psychology, MSc
Optional to:
Social & Applied Psychology, MSc
Research Methods in Psychology, MSc
Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, MSc
Extended Essay 4,000 words 80%
Project Proposal 2,000 words 20%
Reassessment methods: Like for like.
Reading List (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Durkin, K. (1995). Developmental Social Psychology. Oxford: Blackwell.
Nesdale, D. (2001). Development of prejudice in children. In M. Augoustinos & K. J. Reynolds (Eds.), Understanding prejudice, racism and social conflict. London: Sage.
Each lecture will have an associated reading list, usually around 6 journal articles.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current theories and research in developmental social psychology.
8.2 Demonstrate key intellectual skills by critically evaluating developmental social psychological theories and research, and presenting these arguments in written form.
8.3 Develop critical analysis skills through group discussion.
8.4 Develop knowledge and understanding of common research methods used by developmental psychologists, including the research questions they can be used to answer, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
8.5 Gain insight into the key challenges facing developmental psychologists conducting research.
8.6 Develop the ability to generate new research questions, and develop a plan of research to answer these questions in the form of a written 'Research Proposal'
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Develop ability to appraise developmental social psychology theories and methods used in the study of social development.
9.2 Work and collaborate with others in reviewing research and communicate work to an audience (i.e. via group discussion).
9.3 Demonstrate the ability to solve problems through independent learning and develop own research ideas.
9.4 Develop ability to communicate in writing.
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