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An Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (10 credit points)
Course Times & Enrolment
This course is currently unavailable.
Course Summary
Cognitive psychology is the scientific investigation of human thought and the processes that govern it. This course will offer an introduction to the main areas of the field including sensation and perception, attention, memory, language, and problem-solving. This class will use practical examples and specific case studies.
Course Details
Pre-requisites for enrolment
No experience in psychology or other short courses necessary.
Content of Course
1. Introduction.
Define cognitive psychology; historical and scientific significance of cognitive psychology; overview of empirical investigation approaches.
2. Sensation and perception.
Visual processing and perceptual organisation; object recognition.
3. Perception and action.
Interacting with the world; the role of attention.
4. Learning and memory.
Theories of short- and long-term memory; forgetting.
5. Everyday memory.
Real-world application; amnesia; concepts and categories.
6. Language comprehension.
Understanding the spoken and written word.
7. Language production.
Producing words and sentences; speech disorders.
8. Thinking and reasoning.
Judgement and decision making; reasoning/rationality.
9. Problem-solving and creativity.
General problem-solving; expertise.
10. Bringing it all together.
How the systems interact; the roles of consciousness and emotion.
Teaching method(s)
Each weekly two-hour class will include a one-hour lecture followed by practical exercises and discussion.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
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Demonstrate understanding of the key theories within perception, memory, language, and problem-solving;
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Explain the interaction of these processes in human thought;
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Demonstrate a practical and ethical understanding of some of the research methods used in psychology;
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Critically evaluate psychological research.
Sources
Core Readings
Essential:
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Eysenck, M. W., 2012. Fundamentals of Cognition. 2nd ed. Hove, East Sussex: Psychology Press.
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Previous (2006) edition also acceptable.
Recommended:
If students are particularly interested in neuropsychological cases of patients who have suffered brain damage:
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Groome, D., 2006. An Introduction to Cognitive Psychology: Processes and Disorders. Hove, East Sussex: Psychology Press.
If students envisage studying cognitive psychology further, or wish to gain a deeper/more detailed understanding of the issues involved, the following book may be used instead of the essential text:
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Eysenck, M. W., & Keane, M. T., 2010. Cognitive Psychology: A Student’s Handbook. 6th ed. Hove, East Sussex: Psychology Press.
Class Handouts
Handouts will be provided.
Assessments
10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.
Studying for Credit
If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.
Queries
If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.
Student support
If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.