Course

Unit 1

 Theories and Models of Emotion

Historical overview and contemporary theories (James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, Schachter-Singer, Lazarus). Basic emotions and complex emotions. Appraisal theories and Constructivist approaches (e.g., Barrett’s theory). Cross-cultural perspectives and emotion regulation. Interactive online modules to simulate emotion recognition tasks and regulation strategies

Unit 2

Motivation – Theories and Applications

Biological and psychological theories: Drive theory, Homeostasis, Arousal theory. Humanistic and Cognitive theories: Maslow’s hierarchy, Self-determination theory, and Expectancy-value theory. Goal setting and achievement motivation. Motivation in education and everyday behaviour. Gamified goal-setting exercises and online simulations to visualise motivation processes.

Unit 3

Learning – Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches

Classical and Operant Conditioning: Pavlov, Skinner. Cognitive theories: Tolman’s cognitive maps, Bandura’s observational learning. Contemporary perspectives: Information-processing models and neurocognitive frameworks. Learning styles, transfer of learning. Use of virtual labs to simulate conditioning experiments and observational learning scenarios.

Unit 4

Neurophysiological Bases of Emotion, Motivation, and Learning

Brain structures: Limbic system, Prefrontal cortex, Amygdala, Hippocampus. Neurotransmitters and hormones involved in affective and motivational processes (dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin). Brain imaging and lesion studies in emotion and learning. Plasticity and learning. Beginner-friendly neuroimaging visualisation tools (e.g., Brain Explorer, Human Brain Atlas online) to explore brain structures and activity patterns.

Unit 5

Interaction of Cognition and Emotion

Influence of emotion on perception, memory, attention, and decision-making. Emotional intelligence and its cognitive underpinnings. Cognitive appraisal and coping. Current research and applications in mental health, education, and organizational behaviour. Online simulations and interactive datasets to observe how emotion affects decision-making and memory tasks.

Text Books / References

 Textbooks

1. Eysenck, M. W., & Keane, M. T. (2015). Cognitive psychology: A student’s handbook. Psychology Press.
2. Gazzaniga, M. S., Ivry, R. B., & Mangun, G. R. (2019). Cognitive neuroscience: The biology of the mind. W. W. Norton.
3. LeDoux, J. (2000). The emotional brain. Simon & Schuster.
4. Reeve, J. (2018). Understanding motivation and emotion. Wiley. Wiley.
5. Schunk, D. H. (2020). Learning theories: An educational perspective. Pearson.

Suggested Readings

1. Anderson, J. R. (2015). Cognitive psychology and its implications (8th ed.). Worth Publishers.
2. Goldstein, E. B. (2019). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research, and everyday experience (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.
3. Panksepp, J. (1998). Affective neuroscience: The foundations of human and animal emotions. Oxford University Press.

Cognitive Psychology explores the complex mental processes underlying human thought and behavior. This second-level course delves deeper into the foundational areas of emotion, motivation, and learningkey domains that intertwine cognition with affective and behavioural dimensions. Emphasizing both classical theories and contemporary findings, students will explore how emotions and motivations influence learning and behaviour, the neural mechanisms supporting these functions, and the dynamic interaction between cognition and emotion. This course integrates experimental and neuropsychological perspectives, providing a holistic understanding of human functioning. Students will also gain hands-on experience using beginner-friendly technology such as online cognitive simulations, interactive learning platforms, and neuroimaging visualization tools to explore emotion, motivation, and learning processes.

Course Objectives:

• To provide a conceptual understanding of the major theories of emotions, motivation, and learning in cognitive psychology.
• To introduce students to classical experiments and recent research findings related to emotional and motivational processes.
• To familiarize students with the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying emotions, motivation, and learning.
• To examine the interaction between cognitive processes and emotional experiences.
• To encourage critical thinking through the application of cognitive theories to real-life scenarios and case studies.
• To develop practical skills using beginner-level technology to simulate cognitive tasks, visualize brain activity, and analyse behavioural data.

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Explain and critically analyse major theoretical approaches to emotion, motivation, and learning in cognitive psychology.
• CO2: Discuss the interaction between cognition and emotion and its relevance in understanding human behaviour.
• CO3: Describe key neurophysiological structures and mechanisms involved in emotional and motivational processing.
• CO4: Evaluate empirical studies and research methodologies used in the study of emotions, motivation, and learning.
• CO5: Apply theoretical knowledge to interpret cognitive-affective experiences in applied settings such as education, counselling, and clinical psychology.

CO-PO Mapping