03079 - Developmental Psychology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method and research designs in developmental psychology.

2. Differentiate key concepts and theories within developmental psychology with particular attention to the following fields: communication, language, cognition, emotional and relational skills.

3. Know the phases of psychological development from the first years of life up to adolescence.

4. Illustrate differences among physical, psychological, and social frames of development.

5. Identify the basic psychological needs for developing well-being in infants, children and adolescents.

6. Recognize the complex interactions between risk and protective factors during development.

7. Develop theoretical and methodological competencies to build positive dyadic and group relationships.

8. Know observational tools and methodologies in educational settings.

9. Demonstrate skills in developing educational projects.

10. Use bibliographic sources to update the professional knowledge.

Course contents

Main theoretical approaches:

• Piaget
• Vygotskij
• Bruner
  

Methods:

• Research designs in Developmental Psychology
• Observation

Developmental domains:

• Communication and language
• Emotional and affective development
• Self-consciouness

Different contexts:

• Family
• School and peers
• Culture and new technology

Readings/Bibliography

For the preparation of the exam, students are required to study the text listed in the bibliography below, along with the lecture slides, which will be gradually uploaded by the instructor to the Virtuale platform as the course progresses.

 

Course Textbook

Santrock, J. W. (4th Italian edition, 2021). Psicologia dello Sviluppo. Milano: McGraw-Hill.

Chapters to be studied:

• 1 – Introduzione
• 2 – Lo studio scientifico del comportamento infantile
• 3 – Dagli inizi biologici alla nascita
• 5 – Approcci allo sviluppo cognitivo
• 8 – Lo sviluppo del linguaggio
• 9 – Lo sviluppo emotivo e affettivo
• 10 – Il sé e l’acquisizione dell’identità
• 12 – La famiglia
• 13 – I pari
• 14 – La cultura
  

The textbook is available at the library of the Department of Education Studies G. M. Bertin.

 

Erasmus Students (with a good command of English)

Erasmus students with limited knowledge of Italian and a good command of English may prepare for the exam using the following textbook in English (available at the library of the Department of Education Studies G. M. Bertin):

Santrock, J. W. (2021). Child Development: An Introduction (15th Edition). McGraw-Hill.

Chapters to be studied:

Chapter 1 – Introduction
Chapter 3 – Prenatal Development and Birth
Chapter 6 – Cognitive Developmental Approaches
Chapter 9 – Language Development
Chapter 10 – Emotional Development
Chapter 11 – The Self and Identity
Chapter 14 – Families
Chapter 15 – Peers
Chapter 17 – Culture and Diversity

Teaching methods

Lectures will be complemented by group discussions in class, interactive activities using the Wooclap platform, and the presentation of illustrative videos.

Students are strongly encouraged to participate actively in all teaching activities and are expected to stay informed, particularly through the announcements posted on the Virtuale platform.

Students are expected to consistently demonstrate appropriate and respectful behavior. This includes refraining from prohibited actions (e.g., audio or video recording of lectures) as well as adhering to social norms (e.g., punctuality for those attending in person).

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a written test lasting one hour, made up of four questions, described in detail below.

Structured open-ended questions (3 questions worth 5 points each)
The first three questions are structured and require a short answer, usually consisting of two parts: a definition of the requested concept and a concrete example that demonstrates understanding.

Each answer will be awarded a score from 0 to 5 points, based on the following criteria: completeness and consistency of content; ability to personally rework the concepts, especially in the examples; appropriateness of language, spelling, and grammar.

Unstructured Open-ended question (1 question worth 15 points)
The fourth question will be open-ended and will require a longer and more detailed response (approximately 20–25 lines), in which the student must demonstrate the ability to describe a broad concept, argue critically, and, if requested, provide examples.

This answer will be awarded a score from 0 to 15 points, based on the following criteria: completeness and consistency; ability to personally rework and argue the content; appropriateness of language, spelling, and grammar.

Important note: To pass the exam, it is necessary to answer all four questions.

Study tips
To prepare effectively for the exam, students are encouraged to practice recognizing, defining, and connecting the main concepts covered in the course, and to formulate clear, relevant, and possibly original examples. A few sample exam questions will be uploaded on the "Virtuale" platform shortly before the end of the course.

Exam registration
Students must register for the exam through the AlmaEsami platform. Registration closes 7 days before the exam date. Those who are unable to register due to technical issues must promptly contact the academic office before the official deadline for registration. 

Erasmus students
Erasmus students may take the written exam in Italian or English. Requests to take the exam in oral form will be considered only if adequately justified via email to the instructor at least 14 days before the exam date.

Teaching tools

The lectures will be supported by the use of Power Point presentations. Short videos related to the topics of the course will be used.

 

Students with DSA or disabilities: it is recommended that they contact the responsible University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, considering the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Consuelo Mameli