Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Cognitive psychology is a major empirical and theoretical area of psychology which explores the processes and structures involved at each stage of information processing within the brain. The structures and processes involved in perception provide the brain with its basic information about both the external world and many of the current states of the individual. Higher level cognitive processes and structures provide the foundation upon which more complex aspects of behaviour are based. The unit is placed in second semester of second year so that students following the normal course structure have an adequate background in research design and data analysis.

Aims

To introduce students to basic concepts and issues in perception and cognitive psychology, and to develop an appreciation of the major contemporary theories of how we process and perceive information.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the principles of cognition, sensation and perception, research techniques and experimental design.


2. Critically analyse the experimental evidence for perceptual and cognitive theories.


3. Communicate in written modes ( literature review, essays, and laboratory reports).

Content

• Psychophysics


• Hearing


• Vision


• Attention


• Pattern recognition


• Working memory


• Long-term memory

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit includes weekly 2-hour lectures weekly 1-hour laboratory classes. The laboratory program is designed to expose you to best practice in conducting psychological research in general, and cognitive and perceptual research in particular. During each laboratory class you will undertake an experiment or exercise which teaches you about important techniques and findings in cognitive or perceptual psychology, and enhances your understanding of experimental design. Lab class bookings are via the School online booking system. As an important component of a university education is learning how to extend your own knowledge, you will be encouraged to adopt a philosophy of "extending the learning experience beyond the classroom", particularly when completing the written assignments.

Assessment

~

Assessment name: Assignment
Description: Laboratory Report No. 1. - 1750 words.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 3
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Assignment
Description: Laboratory Report No. 2. - 1750 words.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 3
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Final Examination - 2 hours.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

TBA

Risk assessment statement

Some lab classes require the use of headphones. For occupational health and safety reasons you should bring your own set of walkman style headphones to these laboratory classes.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 17-May-2012