Humans are a deeply social species. In this module, we will examine how children come to understand the social world and interact with others. We will discuss the origins of positive social behaviours such as helping and sharing, as well as the origins of social problems such as prejudice and discrimination.
Module learning outcomes
Critically evaluate the major findings in each of the topics covered, including the development of prosocial behaviour, imitation and morality.
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
Understanding other people: The origins theory of mind in infancy
Learning from other people: Imitation in infancy and early childhood
Helping other people: Understanding the origins of prosociality
Judging other people: The origins of morality in young children
Prejudice and discrimination: Investigating intergroup biases in young children
Cross cultural approaches to child development
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Social Cognitive Development
N/A
100
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Social Cognitive Development
N/A
100
Module feedback
The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.
Indicative reading
Indicative reading
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. (2020). The social function of imitation in development. Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, 2, 93-109.