PY2CN-Cognition

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites: PY1CG Cognition and Learning
Non-modular pre-requisites: For Single Hons Psychology students only
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: PY2CNS Cognition and Neuroscience or PY2CN1 Cognition 1 or PY2CN2 Cognition 2
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Prof Philip Beaman

Email: c.p.beaman@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
PY2CN Cognition

Aims:
The student should gain an understanding of theory and research into memory and cognition, including the different forms of memory (e.g., working memory, long-term memory, episodic, semantic, procedural and prospective memory), and different aspects of thinking and higher-level cognition such as counterfactual thinking, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving and reasoning.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse research on memory and higher-order cognition
2. Show knowledge of the information-processing approach to understanding human cognition, conducted by means of experimental studies.
3. Appreciate the range of different memory phenomena, including the proposed subdivision of human memory into different memory sub-systems.
4. Understand the nature and consequences of impaired cognition (e.g., because of a closed-head injury).
5. Correctly identify real-world examples of the types of human thought and decision-processes discussed within the module.
6. Show knowledge of biases and errors in human reasoning and other thought processes

Additional outcomes:
Students will be able to apply general knowledge of research methods to the topics covered within this module in order to critically evaluate the results of scientific studies. Students will be able to apply knowledge of memory and thinking obtained during this module to practical real-world problems.

Outline content:
(a) The approach to understanding human memory and thought processes by means of experimental studies and behavioural data.
(b) The results of such research, including the proposed subdivision of memory into different memory systems and the analysis of human thought in terms of the extent to which humans can be considered "rational" beings.
(c) Humans as information-processing systems.
(d) Processes by which humans solve problems.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
a) Lectures on topics to do with memory and thought, supported by Blackboard VLE online Discussion Board and recommended reading on memory and thought.
(b) Seminars providing the opportunity to discuss lectures and recommended reading, prepare and deliver oral presentations with feedback, and research and write essays.
(c) Continuous assessment exercises tied to course content.
(d) Revision sessions preparatory to multiple choice tests and end-of-year exam.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	16	16	2
Seminars	2	2
Guided independent study:	62	62	38
Total hours by term	80	80	40
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	30
Set exercise	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is assessed by a combination of coursework (50%), and summer examination (50%). 

The 1 ½ hour Summer Exam will require you to answer 2 questions on topics covered in the module: one on Autumn Term topics, one on Spring Term topics.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework includes 1 essay, with supporting seminar (30%) and continuous online assessment of your understanding of the material covered in lectures (20%). 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment of the module is by examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019