Module PSYS3031: APPLICATIONS OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Department: Psychology (Applied Psychology) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

PSYS3031: APPLICATIONS OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Prerequisites

• 100 credits from C817 Psychology (Applied) Level 2 modules; or PSYC2081 Topics in Cognitive Psychology

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• PSYC3151 Brain and Cognition

Aims

• The aim of this module is to demonstrate how cognitive psychology has been used to explore aspects of everyday cognition in the real-world

Content

• The following topics are representative of the material that will be covered during the course:
• - Diagrams and graphs: Types of representation; Models of Graph Comprehension; Multi-media learning; Designing Usable Graphs
• - Scientific Thinking: Induction; Scientific Thinking; The Intuitive Scientist Metaphor and the Development of Scientific Thinking Skills
• - Face processing: Theories of face processing; Abnormalities in face processing; Applications of face processing theories: Eye witness testimony; Applications of face processing theories; Technology and face processing theory
• - Mathematical Cognition: The 'mathematical' brain; Cognitive models of doing maths; Normal and abnormal mathematical abilities
• The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge of cognitive psychology including current theory, evidence, and research methods
• In-depth knowledge of some specialist sub-areas of applied cognitive psychology

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

• Good written communication skills
• Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation, and data presentation
• Ability 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

• Knowledge and understanding is developed through the weekly 2 hour sessions involving variety of learning modes including lectures, student presentations, video-based material, and some small group work
• This knowledge will be assessed in the summative assessment, and the written examination. These assessments will be essay-based, providing students with the opportunities to demonstrate their abilities to appraise and apply empirical and theoretical in a critical manner
• Preparations for presentations promote students' abilities to locate, read and evaluate a body of evidence. These abilities are assessed via the summative essay and written examination. Feedback is provided for the summative assessment
• All modes of teaching are designed to promote critical evaluation of evidence and arguments, to adopt different theoretical positions, and to interpret empirical work in terms of theory. Assessment of these abilities is based on the summative essay and written examination. Feedback is provided for the summative assessment
• Written communication skills are developed through the preparation for the essay and examinations. Assessment of the skills is based on these formative assessments. Feedback is provided for the summative assessment
• Good IT skills are required for the preparation of the summative essays. Feedback is provided regarding the adequacy of these skills where necessary

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Seminar presentation. One essay or other assignment

■ 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