APPLIED HUMAN COGNITION
SHE Level | 3 |
SCQF Credit Points | 20.00 |
ECTS Credit Points | 10.00 |
Module Code | M3C825419 |
Module Leader | Christopher Hand |
School | School of Health and Life Sciences |
Subject | Psychology |
Trimester |
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Pre-Requisite Knowledge
Introduction to Biological, Cognitive and Developmental Psychology (or equivalent), Research Methods (or equivalent)
Summary of Content
The module will be delivered via a series of lectures over the 12-week term (2 hours per week) and accompanying them research-based seminars over the 6 weeks (2 hours per week). The lectures refer to both, evidence based theoretical knowledge focused on the areas of human cognition, e.g. perception, attention, memory, thinking and a selection of applied areas where cognitive psychology plays crucial role, e.g. face identification, cognition and music, performance in athletes. Knowledge acquired during the lectures and via independent learning will be tested during the final exam. The seminars will offer students an opportunity to explore a problem selected from within the area of cognitive psychology. That exploration will be carried out in a form of an empirical project, completed with the presentation of findings in a format of an individually written research report.
Syllabus
The module will adopt an integrated approach on human cognition that takes into account a range of perspectives on cognitive psychology. Main theoretical antecedents of cognitive psychology will be discussed as well as the methods of investigation within the area and its applications in real life settings. Applied Human Cognition module will also focus on the evaluation of the key concepts and methodologies in cognitive psychology. Theories of attention, perception, memory and thinking will be explored and then brought together in an exploration of a number of applied contexts, e.g. why eyewitness misidentification is by far the biggest source of wrongful conviction; areas of applied problem solving, impact of drugs on human cognition, relationship between music and cognition, motivation in athletes, and other areas of application of theoretical knowledge to the solution of a number of the common real?world problems.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, the student should be able to:1. Describe, discuss and evaluate the main approaches adopted by psychologists to the study and application of human cognition (assessed via coursework and via exam)2. Gain a critical understanding of the key historical, philosophical and psychological antecedents of cognitive psychology (assessed via exam)3. Appreciate how theories of human cognition can be used to understand and contribute to solving real-world problems (assessed via coursework and via exam)4. Critically evaluate empirical studies of human cognition and carry out own study (assessed via coursework)
Teaching / Learning Strategy
The lectures refer to both, evidence based theoretical knowledge focused on the areas of human cognition and a selection of applied areas where cognitive psychology plays crucial role. Knowledge acquired during the lectures and via independent learning is tested during the final exam. The seminars offer students an opportunity to explore a problem selected from within the area of cognitive psychology. That exploration is carried out in a form of an empirical project, completed with a presentation of findings in a format of an individually written research report. This will be carried out in a group and supervised by a member of staff. Both, teaching and learning during this module has been designed to facilitate performance by offering the students a range of learning tasks within the course. This in turn supports GCU Teaching and Learning Strategy, in particular the curriculum design principle for 'broader and deeper learning'. It will also create a greater opportunity for 'inclusive and accessible learning' (TLS), recognising that strengths in individual students may come to fore when allowed the opportunity to use different assessment methods. This will potentially result in a more 'engaged learning', which is another focus of GCU TLS.
Indicative Reading
A selection of textbooks and other module related sources, e.g. -360 1. Groome, D. & Eysenck, M.W. (2016) An Introduction to Applied Cognitive Psychology. Oxon: Routlege. 2. Eysenck, M.W. & Keane, M.T. (2015) Cognitive Psychology: A Students Handbook (7 th edition or 6 th edition from 2010) New York: Psychology Press 3. Sternberg, R.J., Sternberg, K. (2017) Cognitive Psychology (7 th edition). USA: Wadsworth -360 a. or Sternberg, R.J., Sternberg, K. (2011) Cognition (6 th edition). USA: Wadsworth (electronic version available free to GCU students).
Transferrable Skills
-360 1. Through the laboratory work students will practise working in small groups. Several skills will be enhanced through this process : 2. Critical thinking; evidence analysis; designing, developing and carrying out a laboratory based experiment; 3. Data analysis; presentation of research findings in a format of a research based report. 4. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about and implement a selection of real world problem solving.
Module Structure
Activity | Total Hours |
---|---|
Tutorials (FT) | 2.00 |
Assessment (FT) | 40.00 |
Lectures (FT) | 24.00 |
Independent Learning (FT) | 122.00 |
Seminars (FT) | 12.00 |
Assessment Methods
Component | Duration | Weighting | Threshold | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
Exam (Exams Office) | 2.00 | 50.00 | 35% | 2 Hour Formal Examination |
Coursework 1 | n/a | 50.00 | 35% | 2000 Word Lab Report |