Social and Developmental Psychology

Module code: PS7507

This module combines two core areas of psychology, social psychology which explores the interactions between individual, groups and society, while developmental psychology studies how humans evolve through the course of their life. 

In this module, you will study the evolution of the individual from the infancy until adulthood, and the relationship of the individual with groups and society. Typical areas of interest for social psychologists tend to be issues related to group identity and dynamics, prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal relationships, impression formation, prosocial behaviour and conformity.

Developmental psychology topics are related to the cognitive, emotional and social changes that occur from infancy, childhood, adolescence until late adulthood. This area combines the study of the typical patterns of development, which is called normative development, with particular variations in patterns of change, which is called idiographic development. Usual topics are infant perception, language acquisition or the importance of friendship during adolescence.

Topics covered

• Intergroup behaviour
• Prejudice and discrimination
• Attraction and close relationships
• Perceptual development
• Language development
• Cognitive development