Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of the processes by which we acquire, store, transform, and use information. The main topics in this field are pattern recognition, attention, memory, knowledge, language, problem-solving, and decision making. This course is an introduction to the major phenomena, methods, concepts, principles, and theories that make up the field of cognitive psychology.

PSYC 1101 or PSYC 1101H with a grade of C or higher 

1. Understand well-established theories of cognitive domains including attention, memory, perception, spatial cognition/imagery, concepts/categories, problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making.

2. Understand how the study of cognition for special populations (e.g., individuals with amnesia or dementia, normal elderly individuals, developing individuals etc.) can enhance the understanding of normal cognitive processes.

3. Understand how the study of Neuroscience can enhance the understanding of normal cognitive processes as studied behaviorally.

4. Understand the scientific methodologies used in cognitive psychology.

Quiroga, R. Q. (2017). The Forgetting Machine: Memory, Perception, and the Jennifer Aniston Neuron. BenBella Books. ISBN: 978-1944648541

• Note: This book only supplements the topics we will cover in class. It is not sufficient to read this book and not come to class. This book will be used for the guided reading journals. All exam information will come from class lectures.

Activities (10% of overall grade)

Throughout the semester, we will complete in-class and at-home activities and assignments designed to improve understanding and application of concepts. You will get credit for completing these activities. In-class activities cannot be made up; therefore, your consistent attendance is important. At-home activities will be turned in on D2L unless told otherwise. See D2L for these due dates.

Guided Reading Journal (15% of overall grade)

On D2L you will find a set of Guided Reading Journal questions for each of our required text for this class. Each set of questions will be due by a specific date. You should complete the questions for the assigned portion prior to the due date and turn them in on D2L. It is recommended that these questions be completed while reading these sections as a way to guide your reading. We will discuss these topics during class, and it will help you during class if you have notes or a highlighted copy of the text with you. There may be multiple ways to answer some of these questions. They will be graded based on effort, professionalism, and accuracy. A copy (physical or electronic) of your responses should be brought with you to class to aid in discussion and activities. You cannot work on these journals with your peers; they must be completed on your own. The audio versions of these texts may make completing the readings and these journals easier.

Exams (45% of overall grade)

Exams will be proctored using Respondus LockDown Browser on D2L + a webcam. Click here to download the latest version of LockDown Browser. To begin the exam, go to Quizzes on D2L. Click on the Exam; then click Launch LockDown Browser. The startup sequence will take a couple minutes. You will need to do a webcam check, read some instructions, take a photo of yourself, show your UNG ID, complete an environment check, complete a facial detection check, and then take the exam. The purpose of this startup sequence is explained in the startup instructions. You must take the exams by yourself with no notes or other resources. The exams are timed; you have 75 minutes for 40 MC questions. You will have two attempts for each exam; the second attempt includes only previously missed questions. It is highly recommended you study between exam attempts. If you wish to review your exam, you can do so during office hours. Submission views will not be opened on D2L for at-home viewing. Exams cannot be made up without proper documentation from the Dean of Students; this will be required to determine make-up eligibility.

Review Paper (20% of overall grade)

Throughout this semester, you will prepare for and write a research review paper on a cognitive psychological topic of your choice. Full instructions for this project are on D2L and should be read carefully. 

Review Paper Presentation (10% of overall grade)

During the scheduled final exam period, you will present your review paper topic and findings. Your presentation should summarize the main points of your review paper. You must prepare a single PowerPoint slide (or similar, e.g., PDF). You CANNOT have more than one slide. The slide CANNOT have animations. Instead, think of it as a virtual poster. You will have three minutes for your presentation.  Your grade will be based on quality of your visual aid, preparedness and professionalism, time management, and content. 

> 90.0% = A

80.0 - 89.9% = B

70.0 - 79.9% = C

60.0 - 69.9% = D

< 60.0 = F

MODULE 1: ENTRY OF INFORMATION

Week 1: Cognitive Psychology // Syllabus

Week 2: Mind & Brain

Week 3: Mind & Brain (continued) // Guided Reading Journal 1 due

Week 4: Sensation & Perception

Week 5: Sensation & Perception (continued) // Guided Reading Journal 2 due // Exam 1

MODULE 2: STORING INFORMATION

Week 6: Representing Information

Week 7: Representing Information (continued) // Guided Reading Journal 3 due

Week 8: Memory & Attention 

Week 9: Memory & Attention (continued)

Week 10: Memory & Attention (continued) // Exam 2

MODULE 3: USING INFORMATION

Week 11: Executive Function & Intelligence // Paper outline due (optional)

Week 12: Executive Function & Intelligence (continued)

Week 13: Language & Cognitive Health

Week 14: Language & Cognitive Health (continued)

Week 15: Language & Cognitive Health (continued) // Exam 3

FINALS

Review Paper due by end of reading day // Presentation slide due by end of reading day

Presentations during final exam period