Perception, Memory and Cognition (PSYC30017)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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Perception, Memory and Cognition covers a variety of cognitive processes ranging from the initial perception of a stimulus all the way through to decision making. The lecture topics may include visual perception, visual illusions, attention, awareness, consciousness, memory, learning, categorization, decision making and various cognitive disorders. The tutorials will focus on current theoretically important questions and provide an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of experimental techniques and scientific writing skills. By increasing our understanding of normal cognitive processes, we are placed in a better position to understand abnormal behaviours and cognitive disorders. The material is distinct from that covered by PSYC20007 Cognitive Psychology and students are not required to have previously taken that subject.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should be able to:


Knowledge


  • Describe a selection of the key research findings that underpin current knowledge of Perception, Memory and Cognition;
  • Discuss some of the key theories in this field and to what extent they can explain current experimental findings;
  • Explain how these theories have been shaped by the use of human behavioural research techniques.

Skills


  • Critically review literature in the area of Perception, Memory and Cognition in a way that could lead to clearly motivated research questions;
  • Critically evaluate and compare conflicting theories and experimental studies in this field;
  • Interpret experimental behavioural data accurately on the basis of appropriate analytical methods;
  • Evaluate and draw conclusions from experimental research findings;
  • Communicate psychological research findings effectively in various written formats.


Application of knowledge and skills


  • Articulate how experimental studies can lead to theoretical advances in the field of Perception, Memory and Cognition;
  • Discuss to what extent a given experimental finding is consistent with current theories in this field;
  • Use a broad understanding of cognitive psychology to understand the place and significance of individual experimental and theoretical studies within the wider scientific context of cognitive psychology.

Generic skills

Students will be given appropriate opportunity and educational support to develop skills 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 or psychology
  • locate and use web-based material effectively (web pages, news groups, list servers, etc.)

Last updated: 14 March 2025