20809296 Cognitive Psychology
Course Information
Description
This course will focus on the theoretical and empirical issues involved in both learning and cognitive processes. The nature of decision-making, language, memory, concept attainment, learning, perception, and problem solving, along with applications of these concepts will be explored.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze the major theories and concepts in the field of cognitive psychology
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Oral or Written Reflection, Written Paper, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Summarize theoretical orientations in the field of cognitive psychology
    Determine which theory is supported by which research finding
    Utilize correct cognitive concepts to explain phenomena

  2. Discriminate between correct and incorrect theories of cognition
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Oral or Written Reflection, Written Paper, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Detect weaknesses or holes in older cognitive theories
    Describe how newer theories address weaknesses/holes in older theories and/or add to those theories
    Evaluate theories for completeness and ability to explain the phenomena

  3. Explain relevant research methods and issues relating to the study of cognition
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Oral or Written Reflection, Written Paper, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Compare research methods used in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience including survey research, experimental and quasi-experimental research, participant/direct observation, fMRI and other brain-mapping research, and case studies
    Compare various research methods and the strengths and limitations of each method
    Summarize strengths and limitations of secondary sources of data in relation to primary data collection

  4. Evaluate peer-reviewed studies on human cognition
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral or Written Reflection, Written Paper, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Read, interpret, and cite sources of research
    Critically evaluate the veracity of sources
    Summarize research design used
    Summarize research findings from peer-reviewed research
    Critique research studies for strengths, weaknesses, and/or future directions

  5. Use cognitive theory and research in written work
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Reflection, Paper, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Use appropriate research support for assertions
    Written product fulfills a clear purpose
    Written product reflects accurate analysis of the target audience
    Written product shows evidence of logical critical thinking
    Written product follows an effective organizational plan
    Written product follows prescribed format (specifically APA formatting), meeting criteria for all components
    Written product exhibits correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and word usage

  6. Apply principles of Cognitive Psychology to personal and professional areas of life
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral or Written Reflection, Written Paper, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Correctly identify cognitive principles occurring in the real world
    Describe experiences with cognitive concepts
    Outline how cognitive principles can be used to enhance personal and/or professional areas of life
    Outline the ways in which cognitive biases and heuristics affect real-world decision-making

  7. Describe how brain architecture and function contributes to various cognitive processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Oral or Written Reflection, Written Paper, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Identify key areas of the brain
    Describe the function of major brain areas
    Explain the biochemical processes that underly brain development
    Apply knowledge of brain anatomy and physiology to cognitive concepts such as memory formation, language, learning, decision making, or perception

  8. Investigate how knowledge of cognitive processes can be used in applied fields such as education, marketing, or law
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam, Oral or Written Reflection, Written Paper, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Apply research findings to fields such as education, marketing, and/or law
    Utilize research findings and cognitive concepts to explain current/past events in the real world
    Identify where in applied fields cognitive concepts could be utilized to enhance processes in other disciplines/careers/fields