PSY30410 Advanced Cognitive Psychology

Academic Year 2021/2022

Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that studies mental processes - that is, thought, perception, learning,
memory, language and so on. In this module, we will examine the theories and evidence surrounding a number of cognitive processes, with reference to recent research and cutting-edge theories.

This is a research-focussed module that relies on evidence from behavioural research - i.e. experiments examining the
performance of of participants while they perform cognitive tasks - and cognitive neuroscience research - i.e. studies measuring brain activity during cognitive activities.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module you should be able to:

- Demonstrate an understanding of the different theories of attention and how they affect real world performance
- Discuss the processes underlying human memory and their application in real-world contexts (e.g. eyewitness memory)
- Critically evaluate theories of reasoning and problem-solving
- Describe the relationship between attention and other cognitive processes, e.g. memory, decision making and problem solving
- Critically assess the role of emotion in cognition
- Explain the cognitive processes underlying skill acquisition.

Indicative Module Content:

Key topics explored in this module include:

• Attention: selective attention, divided attention, spatial vs. non-spatial attention
• Memory storage
• Cognition and emotion
• Eyewitness memory
• Reasoning & problem-solving
• Judgement & decision-making
• Learning & skill acquisition (e.g. learning to drive, dance or play music)

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key approaches to Teaching and Learning used in this module include lectures, group discussion, class demonstrations and critical writing.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

As this is an Advanced module, it is recommended that students should have completed an introductory or intermediate level module on the topic of cognitive psychology - e.g. PSY20080 (Visual and Social Cognition) or similar. Each topic (e.g. attention or memory) will be introduced briefly, however teaching will move quickly to more advanced content, and students with no previous experience of this subject may struggle.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PSY40830 - Advanced Cognitive Psych


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: 2 hour open-book exam, to be completed via Brightspace. Combination of short questions and essay-style questions. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Graded No

60
Essay: 1500 word essay Week 9 n/a Graded No

40

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual written feedback for mid-semester essays will be provided via Brightspace within 20 working days. As the end-of-semester assessment is an exam, individualised feedback other than grades will not be provided.

Main course text:
Eysenck & Keane (2015). Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook, 7th edition. (Note: 5th and 6th editions of this book are also fine).

Other essential and recommended readings from the scientific literature will be available via BrightSpace after each lecture.