See module specification for other years:
2021-222023-24
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Spring Term 2022-23
Module aims
Humans are deeply social creatures. In this module, we will discuss the origins of sociality in young children. We will cover key topics in social cognitive development such as imitation, prosocial behaviour and group membership.
Module learning outcomes
Critically evaluate the major findings in each of the topics covered, including the development of prosocial behaviour, imitation and intergroup bias.
Evaluate and reflect upon the relative merits of different methods for studying social cognitive development
Demonstrate a deep understanding of the role of learning in bringing about mature social cognitive abilities
Compare and contrast the social behaviour of children from different cultural backgrounds
Critically evaluate the implications of major findings for psychology and society
Module content
Social understanding
Imitation
Prosocial behaviour
Social evaluation
Group membership
Social motivation and autism
Cultural differences in social behaviour
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework 3000 word essay
N/A
40
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) Social Cognitive Development
5 hours
60
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework 3000 word essay
N/A
40
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) Social Cognitive Development
5 hours
60
Module feedback
The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision
These marks will be accompanied by module feedback forms which will be circulated by e-mail.
Students will meet supervisors in wk 6 in AuT, SpT and wk 9 in SuT to discuss their marks.
Indicative reading
Sample Reading:
Chevallier, C., Kohls, G., Troiani, V., Brodkin, E.S., Schultz, R.T. (2012). The Social Motivation Theory of Autism. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(4) 231-239.
Dunham, Y., Baron, A.S., & Carey, S. (2011). Consequences of ‘minimal’ group affiliations in children. Child Development, 82(3), 793-811.
Martin, A., & Olson, K. R. (2015). Beyond good and evil: What motivations underlie children's prosocial behavior. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10, 159-175
Over, H., & Carpenter, M. (2013). The social side of imitation. Child Development Perspectives, 7, 6-11.