Module PSYC3307: PSYCHOLOGY OF ATTENTION

Department: Psychology

PSYC3307: PSYCHOLOGY OF ATTENTION

Prerequisites

• PSYC2111 Topics in Cognitive Psychology OR 100 credits from C817 Psychology (Applied) Level 2 modules

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• Students completing the module will be able to describe, explain and evaluate the key theoretical concepts and empirical studies relating to the study of attention

Content

• This module examines the cognitive and neural mechanisms of attention. It begins with a discussion of the nature of attention and its effects on cognitive and neural processing. We then address a number of issues relating to the orienting of attention, inhibitory effects in visual attention, attention in the 'real world' and visual search. These effects are considered with respect to theoretical modes of attention. We examine the interaction between attention cognitive systems, specifically the motor control and working memory. Finally, we discuss the role of attention in the control of behaviour
• The course will consider evidence from behavioural, neuropsychological and neurophysiological studies in humans and neurophysiological studies of non-human primates
• The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge of theoretical accounts of attention, including Perceptual Load Theory, Premotor Theory and Biased Competition Theory
• Knowledge of key attentional phenomena, including spatial cueing effects, inhibition of Return, Visual Search, social attention, action slips and Environmental Dependency
• Knowledge of the neural substrates of attention, including dorsal and ventral attention networks and the oculomotor system

• Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately

• Good written communication skills
• Abilities to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students' acquisition of detailed knowledge will be facilitated by lectures, some small group work, audio-visual materials, discussions and detailed reading lists
• These modes of teaching provide students with detailed theoretical positions in light of current evidence
• The examination will assess students' detailed subject knowledge. It will comprise 1 seen question and 1 unseen question
• An assessment of the range, recency and appropriateness of sources will be included in the overall assessment of the examination
• The use of group discussions / small group work will ensure that students are exposed to a range of different theoretical positions, and encouraged to understand their inter-relations
• Lectures, discussions and small group work will also give students the opportunity to interpret and evaluate the significance of empirical work
• Examination assesses students' acquired knowledge of theoretical principles and empirical studies and their ability to organise and synthesise them coherently and critically in written form in response to a set question
• The examination will also assess students' written communication skills

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University