512-335 Advanced Cognition 3

Students who have completed 512-340 Vision and Action 3 and/or 512-390 Cognitive Science 3 (or equivalent) may not enrol in this subject.

512-224 (or equivalent)

512-220 (or equivalent)

This subject introduces students to a range of topics within the interdisciplinary field of cognitive science. It comprises three units. Only two units will be offered in any one year.

Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary field, the aim of which is to produce a broad understanding of the nature of the mind. This unit introduces some basic issues in cognitive science, considering different explanations of mind and phenomena a theory of mind would need to explain. Current issues are introduced, including the debate between representational versus connectionist models, and functionalist versus embodied accounts

Language Processing aims to understand how speakers of a language use their accumlated linguistics knowledge to comprehend and produce utterances. One way of approaching this issue is to examine the behavioural consequences of impairments to different language processing systems, considering how patterns of performance in individuals with impairments can illuminate models of normal language processing. A range of language systems will be focused on, including word recognition, word production, semantic memory, syntactic processing, and pragmatic processing.

Visual Perception and Cognition examines the processing of visual information in the human organism. There is a particular focus on the relationship between the processing of sensory information in the visual system itself, and the way in which this information relates to cognitive processes such as object recognition, learning, and language. The relationship between the anatomical structure of the brain and its various computational functions is also explored in relation to sensory and cognitive processing of visual information.

On completion of this subject, students should be able 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 of psychology; locate and use web-based material effectively (web pages, news groups, list servers, etc).

Laboratory reports of no more than 3000 words (50%) and an examination of no more than two hours (50%).

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

Attendance at 80% or more of the laboratory classes and participation in 80% of on-line discussion forums 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.