Cognitive Psychology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course explores current theories and research findings in cognitive psychology and applications of cognitive psychology on problems in work- and everyday life.
Section 1: Cognitive psychology: Theory and data (7,5 hp)
Section 1 of the course reviews current examples of research in cognitive psychology and current trends in theorizing.
Section 2: Applications of cognitive psychology (7,5 hp)
Section 2 of the course addresses how basic cognitive research can explain phenomena in everyday- and working life, and be applied to different problem areas. The particpants chose among problem areas as, for example, usability, behaviour change, human error, risk assessment, time estimation, health, etc. These are discussed in seminars and explored in projects carried out by groups of students.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
Following the course, the student is expected to have acquired:
* in-depth knowledge on current cognitive psychological theory and data as well as research methods. 

Skills and ability
Following the course, the student is expected to have acquired an:
* ability to describe and explain core cognitive psychology theories and how they have evolved in view of recent research
* ability to critically evaluate and compare cognitive psychology theories and results. 
* ability to retrieve relevant information from scientific literature and communicate it orally and in writing.

Evaluation ability and approach
Following the course, the student is expected to have acquired an
* ability to discuss the opportunities and constraints in methods central to the domain.
* ability to describe how acquired theoretical knowledge may be applied on phenomenon in working - and everyday life.

Required Knowledge

Univ: 90 credits (hp) in psychology or related subject.Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish Upper Secondary course English A/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies

Form of instruction

Teaching on the course includes seminars, lectures, and group supervision. The teaching is campus based but can include online teaching.

Examination modes

Section 1 is examined by a written, individual exam and by active participation in seminars. Section 2 is examined by active participation in seminars as well as an individual written report on some aspect of the group project, according to the teacher's specifications. Examining seminars may be digital. The written exam is graded with according to the scale Distinction, Pass, and Fail. Students that have failed two exams have the right to apply for another teacher to suggest a grade. Students have the right to 5 examination within two years after the first registration on the course. To pass the whole course it is required that all tests and compulsory parts have been completed. The final grade is decided on the basis of all results and reported when all compulsory parts are completed.

Other regulations

The student is expected to be familar with cognitive psychology at a basic level, e.g., Sternberg, R. J. (2009). Cognitive psychology (5th ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

Crediting is always tested individually. The Department of Psychology will provide the necessary application form. Applications should be sent to Registrator (Registrator, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden) by the student, where it will receive a number and distributed to accurate department. The Study Advisor will prepare the application, and the Director of Studies makes the judgment. Decisions are made within two months. The application shall state witch part and/or course the student are applying for. The application should attach certified copies of course certificates, transcripts or equivalent; where the Department/University, Date, Subject Area, ECTS and Grades can be found. In addition to that the syllabus, including a list of the literature used, and where appropriate paper work, is attached.