Perception, Memory and Cognition (PSYC30017)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
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Why do we fall for visual illusions? How can we use the speed of our responses to tell us about the construction of the brain and the mind? How do we remember? How does the detection of noisy signals inform our understanding of faulty eyewitness memory? Are fingerprint experts better than novices at matching patterns? Perception, Memory and Cognition will cover a series of robust, valuable, and enduring findings illustrating the accumulation of knowledge through experimentation and theory development. From historical studies of response time and perceptual processes through to modern tests of applied decision making, you will learn how theories are tested, discarded, and revised in light of careful experimental evidence. We will discuss a variety of cognitive processes, from the initial stages of stimulus perception all the way through to decision making. The tutorial stream will provide an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of experimental techniques and scientific writing skills as they apply to forensic psychology.  

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

Knowledge

  • Describe, contrast, and critique a selection of the key research findings that underpin current knowledge of Perception, Memory and Cognition;
  • Appraise and critique 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 evaluate and compare conflicting theories and experimental studies in this field;
  • Critically review literature in the area of Perception, Memory and Cognition in a way that could lead to clearly motivated research questions;
  • Design and propose novel or modified experiments to test key theories
  • Analyse experimental behavioral data using appropriate statistical methods;
  • Draw inferences from statistical analysis;
  • Develop data visualisation to communicate analytical results to an audience;
  • 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;
  • Appraise the extent to which experimental findings are 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

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites


Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects

512335 Advanced Cognition 3

512307 Advanced Studies of Human Cognition

Recommended background knowledge

Prior coursework in two Level 2 psychology subjects. Level 2 psychology subjects are: Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Personality & Social Psychology

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Short answer quiz

  • 30 minutes
Hurdle requirement: For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Submitting only part of an assessment (e.g. only the title page) or an assessment on an irrelevant topic will not meet this hurdle requirement.		Mid semester15%

Lab report or essay based on tutorial stream

  • 1500 words
Hurdle requirement: For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Submitting only part of an assessment (e.g. only the title page) or an assessment on an irrelevant topic will not meet this hurdle requirement.		From Week 6 to Week 1035%

Examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Submitting only part of an assessment (e.g. only the title page) or an assessment on an irrelevant topic will not meet this hurdle requirement.		During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: Attendance of at least 80% of the laboratory classes 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.Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorDaniel Little
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022
    Last self-enrol date11 March 2022
    Census date31 March 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022
    Assessment period ends24 June 2022

    Semester 1 contact information

    A/Prof Daniel R. Little

    daniel.little@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment for this subject is 170 hours.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025