512-224 Cognitive Psychology 2

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

512-120 and 512-121 (or equivalent).

Pre/corequisites

512-220 (or equivalent).

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject comprises two units:

Attention and Memory

Introduces information processing methods for the study of attention and memory. Attention lectures cover response time and response as tools for studying mental processes, and the idea of behavioural variability as a limiting factor in performance. Application of these methods to the study of human attention is considered. The phenomena of selective and divided attention in vision and audition is described, together with key theories. The latter part of the unit introduces the experimental study of human memory and also theoretical models of memory function. Topics include: the structure of memory; the biology of memory; and applied aspects of research.

Language and Reasoning

Introduces experimental study of language and reasoning showing how theories about both have shaped our conception of the mind. The language lectures aim to give students broad coverage of the psychological study of language, along with an understanding of how language research interfaces many disciplines. Topics include: phonology; syntax; semantics; language acquisition; the biological basis; language disorders; speech, listening and writing. The reasoning lectures introduce problem solving and its relationship with other psychological processes. Topics may include: modelling and problem representation; heuristics and biases; expertise; dynamic decision making; memory and information processing; cognition and affect in problem solving.

Assessment

A combination of laboratory reports and examinations, with the laboratory reports being weighted at least 40% of the total assessment.