Course

Unit 1

Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

Definition and scope of cognitive psychology. Historical evolution and foundational theories. Relationship between cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Research methods in cognitive psychology. Overview of key cognitive functions: attention, perception, memory, language, and higher-level processes. Introduction to beginner-friendly online cognitive research platforms (e.g., PsyToolkit, Gorilla Experiment Builder) for conducting simple experiments.

Unit 2

Attention and Perception

Theories of attention: selective, divided, and sustained attention. Neural mechanisms underlying attention. Perceptual processes: visual, auditory, and other sensory modalities. Gestalt principles of perception. Influence of attention on perception. Disorders related to attention and perception (e.g., ADHD, visual agnosia). Practical exercises using online attention and perception tasks (reaction-time tasks, visual search games, and digital cognitive assessments).

Unit 3

Memory Systems and Processes

Models of memory: multi-store (sensory, short-term, long-term) and working memory. Types of long-term memory: declarative (episodic, semantic) and non-declarative. Neural substrates of memory: role of the hippocampus and other brain regions. Processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval. Factors affecting memory performance: interference, decay, and consolidation. Amnesia and other memory disorders. Hands-on use of digital memory tests and interactive memory tasks for understanding encoding and retrieval processes.

Unit 4

Language and Cognitive Processing

Structure and components of language: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Theories of language acquisition and development. Neural basis of language: Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas. Relationship between language and thought. Bilingualism and its cognitive implications. Language disorders: aphasia, dyslexia. Introduction to online tools for language processing analysis and beginner-level linguistic software (e.g., ELAN, Praat)

Unit 5

Executive Functions and Higher-Level Cognitive Processes

Components of executive functions: planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility. Neural correlates: prefrontal cortex and associated networks. Role of emotions in cognitive processing. Social cognition and theory of mind. Metacognition: awareness and regulation of one’s own cognitive processes. Impact of stress and emotion on executive functions. Use of beginner-friendly apps and simulations to model decision-making, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility tasks (e.g., CogLab online exercises, Lumosity tasks for academic purposes).

Text Books / References

Textbooks

1. Gilhooly, K., Lyddy, F., & Pollick, F. (2014). Cognitive psychology. McGraw-Hill Education.
2. Galotti, K. M. (2014). Cognitive psychology: In and out of the laboratory (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
3. Matlin, M. W. (2013). Cognitive psychology (8th ed., international student version). John Wiley & Sons.
4. Sternberg, R. J. (2009). Applied cognitive psychology: Perceiving, learning, and remembering. Cengage Learning India.
5. Solso, R. L., Maclin, O. H., & Maclin, M. K. (2013). Cognitive psychology. Pearson Education.

Suggested Readings

1. Baddeley, A. D., & Hitch, G. J. (1974). Working memory. In G. A. Bower (Ed.), The psychology of learning and motivation (Vol. 8, pp. 47–89). Academic Press.
2. Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
3. Broadbent, D. E. (1958). Perception and communication. Pergamon Press.

The course Cognitive Psychology I offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental cognitive processes that underpin human thought and behaviour. By integrating insights from experimental psychology and neuroscience, students will examine key functions such as attention, perception, memory, language, action planning, and higher-order cognitive processes. Additionally, the course will highlight the significant influence of emotions on these cognitive functions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the mind’s operations.

Course Objectives:

• To introduce students to the core concepts and theories related to attention, perception, memory, language, action planning, and higher-level cognitive processes.
• To examine the interplay between cognitive functions and different processes, emphasizing their combined impact on behavior and decision-making.
• To develop students’ ability to critically analyze and apply cognitive psychology theories to real-world situations.
• To familiarize students with beginner-level digital tools for conducting cognitive experiments, visualizing cognitive processes, and recording behavioral data.

Course Outcomes:

• CO1: Explain the fundamental principles and theories underlying key cognitive processes, including attention, perception, memory, language, action planning, and higher-level cognition.
• CO2: Analyze the relationship between cognitive functions and different influences, demonstrating an understanding of their combined effects on human behavior.
• CO3: Apply cognitive psychology concepts to everyday experiences and practical scenarios, showcasing the relevance of theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
• CO4: Demonstrate beginner-level proficiency in technology tools for cognitive assessment, experiment design, and data visualization.

CO-PO Mapping