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PSY30410

Academic Year 2024/2025

Advanced Cognitive Psychology (PSY30410)

Subject:
Psychology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Psychology
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Ciara Greene
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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. The module will have a particular focus on attention and memory, and their interactions with each other.

Some questions we will examine include:
- how do we filter out all the noise and detail in our environments in order to focus on one task or stimulus?
- how reliable is memory? What are the factors that can undermine it, and what are the consequences of that in the real world?
- can people make rational decisions, or are we slaves to our biases?
- what happens in your mind when you learn a new skill?

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.

About this Module

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.

Note on academic integrity:
All sources used in the production of assessments for this module must be cited using APA standards.
Please note that the use of generative AI tools is NOT permitted in the assessments for this module.

Indicative Module Content:

Key topics explored in this module include:

• Attention: selective attention, divided attention, spatial vs. non-spatial attention
• Memory storage
• Eyewitness memory and false memory
• The relationship between cognition and emotion
• 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

24
Autonomous Student Learning

101
Total

125

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. PSY20240 (Language, Perception & 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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Create a short video explaining a theoretical concept from the module for a general audience. To be accompanied by a 1000 word written description. Week 10 Graded No
40
 No
Exam (Open Book): Online open-book exam (end of trimester). Includes short questions (select 2 from a choice of 4) and essay question (select 1 from a choice of 3) End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
50
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Engage in group discussions each week during class time, and record your participation. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
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 the mid-semester project will be provided via Brightspace within 20 working days. Brief individual feedback (rubric scores) will be provided via Brightspace.

Main course text:
Eysenck & Keane (2020). Cognitive Psychology: A Student's Handbook, 8th edition. (Note: 5th, 6th and 7th editions of this book are also fine).

Other essential and recommended readings from the scientific literature will be made available via Brightspace.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 15:00 - 16:50
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