PC4054 - Cognition and Behaviour (2020/21)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2020/21 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Cognition and Behaviour | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Certificate (04) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2020/21(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module aims introduce students to some of the foundational theories in cognitive psychology, including a prehistory of cognition which considers earlier approaches to human thought and behaviour. Students will be introduced to classic research to help them to understand and evaluate theories of cognition in their historical and cultural context, and to key ethical considerations in this branch of psychology. There will be the opportunity to participate in classic experiments in seminars and workshops. This module provides students with opportunities to acquire key transferrable skills necessary for employment (e.g. written communication skills, digital literacy skills, discussion contribution, independent study and time keeping, summation and evaluation skills, and understanding of the scientific method and ethical research consideration). The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Syllabus
The syllabus will be drawn from the broad areas of cognitive psychology, including the historical development of cognitive psychology, attention, perception, short-term memory, long-term memory, language imagery, and ethical considerations in this branch of psychology.
Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 3
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module is delivered through a variety of teaching and learning methods. A combination of group and individual activities will take place within a framework of lectures, seminars and workshops. Supplementary guided learning via weblearn and self-managed private study will be provided when suitable. For PDP development, students will have opportunities to reflect upon what they have learned and apply their understanding of cognitive psychology to the real world.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Explain key theories of cognitive psychology in their historical and cultural context.
2. Understand how cognitive psychology has been investigated and theorised and applied to real world situations.
3. Present a cogent account of ideas and arguments in cognitive psychology based on empirical evidence and ethical considerations.
Assessment strategy
An essay of 1500 words will assess depth of knowledge of key concepts, theories and studies in cognitive psychology and a multiple-choice test will assess the breadth of material covered in the module. Formative assessments will be provided throughout the modules and constructive feedback will be provided to help students to prepare for the summative assessments. Students must obtain a minimum aggregate grade of 40% across the two assessments to pass the module.
Bibliography
Davey, G. (2008). Complete psychology (2nd Edition). London, UK: Hodder & Stoughton. [CORE]
Goldstein, E.B. (2014). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research, and everyday experience. (4th international edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.