PSY 305 - 3 sh

Cognition

This course is designed to be an advanced topical course within the specific area of Cognition & Memory. Students will utilize their methodology skills attained form PSY 290 to examine the area of Cognition from both the practical and theoretical standpoints. Students will be responsible for in-depth readings of original research in several specific areas of Cognition.

Psychology 290

Psychology 305 is a representative course number for core experimental psychology topics courses in a wide variety of content areas within psychology. The methodologies and topical specifics within Motivational psychology are sufficiently different from the other areas of experimental PSY 30x to warrant separate investigation. The course will be offered each Spring semester. Approximately 30 students will be enrolled each Spring semester.

As a result of successful completion of this course, student will be able to

1. identify the different issues and topics within the area of Cognition
2. examine the different theories of Cognition which are of both historical and contemporary importance
3. demonstrate critical examination of the research support for each of those theories discussed
4. examine the different methodologies used in the area
5. teach critical evaluation of the current research articles in the field
6. be familiar with the breadth of subtopic areas within the field of Cognition

1. Sensory Memory
1. Sensory sensation
2. Stimulus pattern recognition
2. Attention and Short-Term Memory
1. STH inputs
2. STH outputs
3. When is STM used?
3. Learning & Memory
1. New learning
2. Forgetting
3. Reconstructive processes
4. Imagery
4. Semantic Memory & Retrieval
1. Retrieval cues
2. Semantic memory
3. Models of semantic memory
4. Forgetting from semantic memory
5. Concept Formation
1. How are concepts formed
2. Structure of concepts
6. Problem Solving
1. Problem characteristics
2. Processes in problem solving
3. Knowledge and experience
4. Expert systems
7. Language
1. Syntax
2. Phonemes, morphemes, and words
3. Phrases and phrase structure
4. Comprehension
5. Language and thought
8. Reasoning and Judgment
1. Syllogistic reasoning
2. Truth testing
3. Inferences about uncertainty
4. Heuristics and algorithms
9. Practical Applications
1. Applications for the law
2. Human factors
3. Education

The course is taught using lecture and discussion with small groups formed to explore specific aspects of current research. The lecture component is designed to give an overview of the topic areas and the small group work is designed to allow the student depth in particular subareas. At three points during the semester the groups present their findings to the class for discussion.

Students will be required to:

1. be in regular attendance
2. complete all readings
3. adequately perform on tests
4. submit all papers and critiques
5. complete peer reviews on projects

Each student is required to submit papers on their examinations of current research in the area. In addition, two essay test are given in which the students explain the major concepts within Cognition. The students are also evaluated on their small group participation and presentation. Group peer evaluations are also considered in the students' overall evaluation.

No additional resources needed.

Ashcraft, M.H. (1989). Human Memory and Cognition. Scott, Foresman & Company.: IL.

Bourne. L.E., Dominowski, R.L., Loftus, E.F., Healy, A.F. (1986). Cognitive Processes, 2nd Edition. Prentice Hall Inc.: Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

Glass, A.L. & Holyoak, K.J. (1986). Cognition, 2nd Edition. Random House.: NY.

Matlin, M.W. (1994). Cognition, 3rd Edition. Holt, Rinehart, & Winston, Inc.: NY.

Reed, S.K. (1988). Cognition: Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition. Brooks/Cole.: CA.