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PSYCH 228-0 : Cognitive Psychology

Description

This course is an introduction to cognitive psychology, covering topics such as perception, attention, memory, concepts and knowledge, mental representation, language, reasoning, judgment, and decision-making. Classes will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and discussion. Students will be required to think critically about the assumptions and methods underlying research on class topics.

Course Objectives & Goals:
• Understand the key theories, concepts, principles, and overarching themes of cognitive psychology.
• Gain understanding of the various types of research methods and tools that cognitive psychologists use.
• Evaluate the empirical evidence for the general theories presented for each topic to ascertain which theories and premises have the best scientific support.
• Use scientific reasoning to understand and interpret cognitive phenomena.
• Apply the theories and research findings from each of the specific topic areas to novel examples.
• Understand how various cognitive processes interact and influence each other.
• Apply cognitive psychological principles to personal and social issues.
• Recognize how cognitive processes are both shaped by and influence the social context.

Registration Requirements:
Prerequisite: Psychology 110 – Introduction to Psychology (AP Credit for Intro Psych is accepted)

Teaching Method:
This class will be taught through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods. From 2:00-4:00 on Tues/Thurs we will meet synchronously via Zoom for a combination of lecture and discussion/group activities. Two hours per week of asynchronous activities will also be required. These will include videos of lectures on additional topics, podcasts, and other activities. The two hours per week of asynchronous work are in addition to assigned readings for the course.

Grades will be based on take-home exams and in-class assignments/discussions. You must attend class live via Zoom in order to earn credit for in-class assignments and discussions. This class was not designed for students to take as a fully asynchronous course.

Evaluation Method:
Grades will be based on practice quizzes, formal quizzes, ZAPS labs (demonstrations of classic experiments), in-class assignments/discussion, and a final exam.

Class Materials:
The required book will be:
Reisberg, D. (2022). Cognition: Exploring the Science of the Mind, 8th edition. New York: W.W.Norton. ISBN: 978-0-393-87760-1. [Note, the 6th or 7th edition of the textbook is also acceptable.]