Course description
Course Overview
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
Sections:
1.1 What is Child Psychology?
1.2 Psychology As a Science
1.3 Research Methods
1.4 Underlying Debates in Child Psychology - nature nurture and personality
UNIT 2: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE FAMILY
Sections:
2.1 Child's sense of self and personality
2.2 Attachment
2.3 Privation, deprivation, institutionalisation
2.4 Parenting styles and effects on child development
UNIT 3: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Sections:
3.1 Social interaction, learning and play
3.2 Gender development (social and cognitive theories)
3.3 Moral development (social and cognitive theories)
3.4: Pro- and anti-social behaviour
UNIT 4: COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Sections
4.1: Development of sensory perception
4.2: Language development and acquisition
4.3: Cognitive development
4.4: Measured intelligence
There is continuity between the units, and when, for example, the same psychologist is mentioned in different sections and/or units, you will be reminded. This will help you to learn each topic at a time, and to build up a more complete overview of child psychology. The first time a key psychologist is mentioned, a short biographical sketch is included to help you see the psychologist's theories in their historical and cultural context.
Psychology is a social science which means it studies people in a more holistic way than a physical science, such as biology does. 'A' level psychology courses (which are also level 3) have been recently modified to focus more on psychology being a science . As with current 'A' level courses, the scientific nature of psychology is introduced in Unit 1, and forms an integral part of all other units.
Student Profile
This programme is designed for people who wish to gain an understanding of Child Psychology and the development of children. No prior knowledge is required although a reasonable level of literacy is necessary.
Study Details
This course can be studied at your own pace, and there are no deadlines for assignments. However, you must complete the course within 12 months from the date you receive the course. To complete this course will take in the region of 90 study hours.