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COURSE STRUCTURE Introduction Jan 21. Introduction to the course Part 1: Memory Jan 28. Models of memory. Memory structure and processesFeb 4. Application of memory research Feb 11. Everyday memory Part 2: Perception & attention Part 3. Types of representations March 25. Visual Imagery (PAPER APPROVAL DUE) April 8. Knowlege representation Part 4. Thinking & reasoning. Conclusions. April 22. Problem solving and creativity. Expert problem solving April 29. Reasoning and decision-making. Conclusions from the course. (PAPER DUE)
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PSYC 317, Section 005 Cognitive Psychology Spring 2009
Weds: 7:20 pm - 10:00 pm Science and Technology I 206 Instructor: Dr. Maria Kozhevnikov 2068 David King Hall Phone (703)993-2104 e-mail: mkozhevn@gmu.edu office hours: Wednesdays: 11:00-12:00 pm
Cognitive Psychology is a subset of Cognitive Sciences that include also such disciplines as Neuroscience, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Cognitive Anthropology. It is concerned with understanding the nature of cognition in humans and machines, where cognition refers to the mental processes that compose our mind: thought, reasoning, decision making, imagery, learning, and perception. In spite of its diversity, cognitive psychology is unified by a common approach based on the analogy between the mind and the digital computer: this is the information-processing approach. The main idea of information-processing approach is that the mind can be understood as a computational system, sometimes referred to as the computational metaphor of the mind. Textbook: Syllabus |
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What is Cognitive Psychology? Historical roots of cognitive psychology. Information processing approach. Cognitive sciences and cognitive neuroscience. (LECTURE)
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Modal model of memory, contemporary model of working memory. Memory Systems: Explicit vs. Implicit memory. (LECTURE)
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Memory and amnesia. Exceptional memory. (LECTURE)
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Autobiographical memory, eyewitness testimony, false memories. (LECTURE) |
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1. Brain systems for visual perception. [LECTURE]
2. Review for EXAM 1. [Exam format] |
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1. EXAM 1. 2. Discussion about writing the final paper (cont.). 3. Pattern and object recognition. (LECTURE)
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Selective attention and inattentional blindness. (LECTURE)
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Theories of divided attention. Automatic processing. (LECTURE)
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Review for Exam 2 Review1 Review2 Review3 Review4 Topics for Exam 2:
Psychology Research Participation (optional) : The study "Visualization processes in learning" is on the http://gmu.sona-systems.com/. Experiment 2 will be conducted on April 1(same room, right after the class). You are welcome to sign up. Experiment 3 will be scheduled on April 22, Experiment 4 will be scheduled on May 6 (same room, right after the class). Those who already participated in the Experiment 1 will automatically receive their credits at Sona System. |
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1. EXAM 2. 2. Experiment 2. (optional) |
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Types of Representations. Propositions and Images. The structure of visual image. [LECTURE]
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Objects, concepts, and categories. Mental models and shemata. [LECTURE] |
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1. Problem solving, expertise and creativity . [LECTURE]
2. Experiment 3. (optional) |
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Review for Exam 3. |
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1. EXAM 3. 2. Experiment 4. (optional) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Attendance Policy: I expect to see you in class each week. At times of low attendance, I may give extra credit to those that attended that day. GMU Honor Code: George Mason University has a code of Honor that each of you accepts by enrolling as a student. All of the work you do in this class will be the work of one individual. Plagiarism or any other violation of the honor code will be taken very seriously and reported to the Honor Committee. Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 703-993-2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office." Grading: Paper (33.33%): Your grade will be determined in part by a short paper (no less than 5 pages in length) to be due at the semester's end. Your task in writing the paper will be to summarize and critique a journal article from the recent [i.e. 2005+] cognitive psychology literature. Please consult with me regarding the journal. The article should be related to one of the topics covered in the class. Approximately half the assignment should consist of a summary in which you (a) identify the research question, (b) identify the independent and dependent variables, (c) summarize the results, and (d) summarize the researcher(s)' conclusions. The rest should include your evaluation of the method, conclusions, etc., and a paragraph on why this study is important in the cognitive psychology literature. You must clear each article with me before you submit it, and you must turn in a copy of the article with your critique (including abstract, tables, and figures). You will need to give me a copy of the paper (email or hardcopy), which I will review and approve. The paper is due on or before April 29, 2009. Exams (66.66%): There will be 3 exams, consisting of multiple-choice and/or open questions. The lowest grade will be dropped. Each of the exams will be worth 33.33% of your grade. Exam Make-up Policy: You may take an exam after (or before) the scheduled date only if you receive my permission before the day of the test. Papers will not be accepted beyond the due date. Extra Credit: You may earn up to an extra 2 % on your final grade by participating in extra credit experiments. Each hour of participation is worth 0.5%. GRADING:
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