Psychological Processes unit (PSY125)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

How do humans perceive the world around them, learn, and make decisions? Under what conditions do we do these things well? When and why do things go a bit “pear-shaped”? How can we be better? This unit introduces the study of cognitive processes, and considers their function in a variety of real-world settings. Lecture topics include: perception and object recognition, attention, memory, language, and thinking. This unit places particular emphasis on identifying the areas where human cognition can go wrong, and identifying methods for individuals (including students themselves) to become more discerning consumers of information and better decision-makers. In tutorials, students are introduced to research in cognitive psychology through demonstrations and activities in areas related to the lecture topics. Students will broaden their understanding of cognitive processes and develop their research-based skills including their ability to: search scientific literature, critically analyse and synthesise information, evaluate research design, interpret data, and report research findings scientifically.

Summary

Unit name	Psychological Processes
Unit code	PSY125
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Psychological Sciences
Discipline	Psychology
Coordinator	Mr Peter Tranent
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Cradle Coast	Semester 2
Hobart	Semester 2
Launceston	Semester 2
Online	Semester 2

Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain key theories and concepts in cognitive psychology including the research approaches used in this field.
• Apply cognitive psychological theory and research to real-life situations and problems.
• Interpret data relating to key ideas in cognitive psychology.

Fee Information

Unit fee information for 2027 will be available in September.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KHA208

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	ON CAMPUS students 1 x two-hour Online Lecture Modules weekly 1 x two-hour practical weekly ONLINE students 1 x two-hour Online Lecture Modules weekly 1 x two-hour practical weekly - (Online Asynchronous)
Assessment	Research participation and reflection (10%)|Quizzes (20%)|4 x Writing Assignments (70%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Reisberg, D. (2022). Cognition: Exploring the science of mind (Eighth Edition). London: W.W. Norton & Company (ISBN: 9780393877625). You will NOT need the Zaps package.  NOTE: A previous edition of the text would also be suitable, although some details might be different between these two versions.  A number of lectures will make use of material extra to the assigned text. In such cases there will either be a link to the resources in that week’s content or there will be a note directing students to the unit reading list. You can access the Reading List for this unit from the link in MyLO, or by going to the Reading Lists page on the University Library website.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.