Perception, Memory and Cognition

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Estimated total time commitment for this subject is 170 hours.

No prerequisites are required for this subject

No Corequisites are required for this subject

Prior coursework in two Level 2 psychology subjects. Level 2 psychology subjects are: Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Personality & Social Psychology

512335 Advanced Cognition 3

512307 Advanced Studies of Human Cognition

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards of Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit Website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Perception, Memory and Cognition covers a variety of cognitive processes ranging from the initial perception of a stimulus all the way through to decision making. The lecture topics may include visual perception, visual illusions, attention, awareness, consciousness, memory, learning, categorization, decision making and various cognitive disorders. The tutorials will focus on current theoretically important questions and provide an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of experimental techniques and scientific writing skills. By increasing our understanding of normal cognitive processes, we are placed in a better position to understand abnormal behaviours and cognitive disorders. The material is distinct from that covered by PSYC20007 Cognitive Psychology and students are not required to have previously taken that subject.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

Knowledge

• Describe a selection of the key research findings that underpin current knowledge of Perception, Memory and Cognition;
• Discuss some of the key theories in this field and to what extent they can explain current experimental findings;
• Explain how these theories have been shaped by the use of human behavioural research techniques.

Skills

• Critically review literature in the area of Perception, Memory and Cognition in a way that could lead to clearly motivated research questions;
• Critically evaluate and compare conflicting theories and experimental studies in this field;
• Interpret experimental behavioural data accurately on the basis of appropriate analytical methods;
• Evaluate and draw conclusions from experimental research findings;
• Communicate psychological research findings effectively in various written formats.

Application of knowledge and skills

• Articulate how experimental studies can lead to theoretical advances in the field of Perception, Memory and Cognition;
• Discuss to what extent a given experimental finding is consistent with current theories in this field;
• Use a broad understanding of cognitive psychology to understand the place and significance of individual experimental and theoretical studies within the wider scientific context of cognitive psychology.

Two pieces of written work, each of 1,500 words (worth 50%) to be submitted during semester. An examination of no more than two hours (50%) to be completed at the end of semester during the specified University examination period.

Each piece of assessment must be completed (hurdle requirement).

Attendance of at least 80% of the laboratory classes is a hurdle requirement. In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded.

No prescribed texts. A reading pack will be made available.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Students will be given appropriate opportunity and educational support to develop skills to:

• think critically about theoretical and empirical issues in psychology
• evaluate research issues critically on the basis of empirical evidence
• demonstrate a knowledge of classical and current issues in psychology
• demonstrate an understanding of some of the obstacles to an integrated perspective in areas or psychology
• locate and use web-based material effectively (web pages, news groups, list servers, etc.)