Psychological Processes unit (PSY125)

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

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

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

2027 fee information will be available in August.

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.