Cognitive Psychology

(2.5-5 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course will examine the structure and function of mental processes, which account for human behavior. Topics include attention, perception, memory, problem solving, decision making, cognitive development, language, and human intelligence. Individual, situational, gender and cultural differences in cognition will also be explored. An individual research project or research paper is required. Perth, Australia (PA): This unit covers attention, executive functioning, principles and dissociations of human memory, information updating, skill acquisition, problem solving and reasoning, judgement and decision making, applied cognition including forensic analysis, eyewitness testimony, expertise and human error. Students are able to (1) explain the key ideas and theoretical concepts in cognitive psychology covered in lectures and assigned readings; (2) demonstrate an understanding of experimental design and research methodology in cognitive psychology; (3) critically evaluate published psychological research papers in cognitive psychology; and (4) present written summaries of scientific research and draw conclusions from them.