Time and Location

Fall 2023: Tuesdays, 3pm – 6pm, Little Hall 0101

Description and Goals

Cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes and how those processes influence behavior. Originally thought of as the “scientific study of knowledge,” cognitive psychology touches on all of the mental processes related to the acquisition, retention, and use of knowledge, including attention, perception, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision making. Given that mental processes are not directly observable, cognitive psychology is based on scientific studies in which participants’ observable behavior is used to infer the structures and limitations of these processes. This course will touch on several major mental processes, introducing you to key theories in each area and the scientific evidence that supports them. At the end of the course, you will have a better understanding of how psychological research contributes to our knowledge of how the human mind works.

Over the course of this semester, students will:

• Understand theories and experimental findings on topics such as perception, attention, memory, reasoning, and decision-making

• Experience classical experiments from cognitive psychology

• Acquire an understanding of research methods and the ability to critically evaluate research

• Apply research in cognitive psychology to everyday events and challenges