Current Topics in Cognitive Psychology

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Comprehend the interrelationships between diverse domains within cognitive psychology
• Cultivate familiarity with the ethical and responsible utilization of artificial intelligence in cognitive psychology research
• Gain understanding of current methodologies employed in cognitive psychology research
• Develop the ability to critically assess the appropriateness of methods for addressing theoretical inquiries in cognitive psychology
• Acquire knowledge of contemporary theoretical frameworks in cognitive psychology

The lectures will cover a selection of themes that are actively researched in the Centre for Perception and Cognition (CPC), such as sensory perception, reading, cognitive control, decision-making, memory, as well as topics such as Artificial Intelligence and the phenomenon of fake news.

Teaching and learning methods

Weekly lectures will be the key teaching method for the course. Some lectures will be followed by bespoke tutorials such as lab demos. All lectures will be recorded and made available on Blackboard together with module materials, and slides.

To enhance student learning and align with the module’s outcomes, two methods will be employed. Firstly, students can participate in experimental lab demos after selected lectures and learn to apply their knowledge practically. Secondly, a curated list of themes will be provided after each lecture, serving as essay topics for the exams. During optional discussion meetings with the lecturer, students can delve into topics. Lecturers will highlight further reading, facilitating comprehensive learning.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Michael W. Eysenck, Mark T. Keane (2020). Cognitive psychology: a student’s handbook.

Hans Op de Beeck, Chie Nakatani (2019). Introduction to Human Neuroimaging .

Assessment strategy

Assessment for this module will be conducted through two distinct methods:

1)Midterm: Following a session on the usage of generative AI while adhering to academic integrity guidelines, students will learn how to utilize AI technology as a tool to aid their research and writing. For the midterm assessment, students will write an essay incorporating the use of AI. This exercise will enable students to experience firsthand how responsible usage of AI should be approached and will provide them with feedback from lecturers on optimizing this process. The assessment will be in the form of coursework, and topics can be selected from the list provided by each lecturer.

2) Final Assessment: This assessment will consist of an essay on a topic covered in the delivered lectures of the module. The essay will necessitate students to critically analyse and synthesize existing research literature on their chosen topic. Each lecturer will introduce a list of topics, from which students can select one to explore in greater depth during the module. Subsequently, students will write an essay during an in-person exam session, providing them with an opportunity to engage in structured, focused writing and assessment.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External