Developmental Psychology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with theories and methods of developmental psychology, with particular attention to the study of cognitive, affective and social development on the construction of child and adolescent identity.
Expected learning outcomes
Specifically, at the end of the course students will be able to:
- Knows the main theories of development in the different psychological fields: motor, perceptive, communicative-linguistic, cognitive, emotional
- Develop a critical understanding of the strengths and limitations of each theoretical approach
- Understand the relationships between fiscal, psychological and social development in childhood and adolescence
- Describe the tools and techniques for observing behavior in educational contexts
- Apply the psychological skills acquired in educational and school contexts
- Knows the main theories of development in the different psychological fields: motor, perceptive, communicative-linguistic, cognitive, emotional
- Develop a critical understanding of the strengths and limitations of each theoretical approach
- Understand the relationships between fiscal, psychological and social development in childhood and adolescence
- Describe the tools and techniques for observing behavior in educational contexts
- Apply the psychological skills acquired in educational and school contexts
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Course syllabus
Definition of the subject
Physical development
motor development
Perceptual development;
Cognitive and linguistic development;
Social development
The cognitive approach
The behaviorist approach
Piaget's theory of development
Freud's theory of development
The theory of development inherent in The ecological vision
Adolescence
Physical development
motor development
Perceptual development;
Cognitive and linguistic development;
Social development
The cognitive approach
The behaviorist approach
Piaget's theory of development
Freud's theory of development
The theory of development inherent in The ecological vision
Adolescence
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
Theoretical lessons supported by slide and viewing of films
Teaching Resources
Gillibrand - Lam - O' Donnell (2019), Developmental Psychology, Pearson Editore (second edition).
Teacher slides .
Teacher slides .
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written exam with multiple choice questions
M-PSI/04 - DEVELOPMENTAL AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY - University credits: 8
Lessons: 48 hours