Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Dr Lisa Law
The course aims to give a broad understanding of the latest findings in cognitive psychology, as well as their historical roots and current practical applications. Students will gain familiarity with the major topics of the field and consider questions such as:
- How much does talking on the telephone affect our attention whilst driving?
- Why may we forget a new telephone number soon after dialing?
- What happens in our brain when we create visual images with our eyes closed?
- How does language affect the way we see colours?
- In what way do emotions influence decisions?
Course Outline:
|
Reading |
Subject |
Lecture |
|
Goldstein chapter 1,2; Ashcraft and Radvansky chapter 1 |
Introduction to cognitive psychology: thinking about thinking |
1 |
|
Goldstein chapter 1,2; Ashcraft and Radvansky chapter 1 |
Mind vs brain: early and contemporary cognitive understandings |
2 |
|
Goldstein chapter 3; Ashcraft and Radvansky chapter 3 |
Perception |
3, 4 |
|
Goldstein chapter 4; Ashcraft and Radvansky chapter 4 |
Attention |
5 |
|
Goldstein chapter 5,6,7,8; Ashcraft and Radvansky chapter 5,6,7,8 |
Memory |
6,7,8,9 |
|
Goldstein chapter 9 |
Categorisation |
10 |
|
Goldstein chapter 10 |
Imagery |
11 |
|
Goldstein chapter 11; Ashcraft and Radvansky chapter 9, 11 |
Language |
12 |
|
Goldstein chapter 13; Ashcraft and Radvansky chapter 11 |
Reasoning |
13 |
|
Goldstein chapter 12; Ashcraft and Radvansky chapter 12 |
Problem-solving |
14 |
|
Goldstein chapter 13; Ashcraft and Radvansky chapter 11 |
Decision-making |
15 |
|
|
Group presentations |
16,17,18,19 |
|
|
Summary, conclusions, exam preparation |
19,20 |
Requirements:
Group presentation-50%
In-class exam – 50%.
Attendance and Participation:
Attendance to class is mandatory
Active participation is greatly encouraged
Bibliography:
- Goldstein, E. B. (2011), Cognitive Psychology, Third Edition. Cengage Learning.
- Ashcraft, M. H. (2010) Cognition, Fifth Edition. Pearson
