Cognitive Psychology

PSYC 221/3.0

How to Apply
3d render book and colorful brain splash

Overview

Cognitive psychology is the study of the mind. By employing the scientific method, cognitive psychologists develop an understanding of the processes involved in all aspects of thinking, including attention, perception, memory, reasoning, language, and problem-solving. With the human brain considered to be the most complex object known to exist, and maybe the most powerful learning system known to exist, the study of the thinking processes it produces is immensely challenging.  With this complexity and the challenge of using our own thinking to study human thinking, cognitive psychology represents a rich and fascinating research domain.

Learning Outcomes

After completing PSCY 221, students will be able to:

  1. Identify and explain classic and current issues within cognitive psychology (including but not limited to perception, attention, memory, knowledge, imagery, language, problem solving, and reasoning and decision making).
  2. Identify and explain standard methodological approaches used in the study of human cognition and cognitive neuroscience.
  3. Engage in critical reading of empirical evidence used to examine theories of cognition.
  4. Explain how experimental findings inform theories of cognition.
  5. Collaborate with peers to analyze experimental designs and theories and effectively communicate the results.

Terms

Fall 2024
Course Dates
–
Delivery Mode
Online

Evaluation

16% - Online Discussions (4)
16% - Online Quizzes (highest 8 out of 10)
24% - Laboratory Assignments (highest 4 out of 5)
44% - Final Exam (proctored)

*Evaluation subject to change*

STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ONLY ONLINE COURSES WILL HAVE TWO OPTIONS TO WRITE THEIR EXAMS:

  1. You may choose to write your exam(s) online using Examity proctoring services where you will be charged the additional $100 exam fee; or
  2. You may choose to write your exam(s) in-person on Queen's campus in Kingston where you will NOT be charged the additional $100 exam fee.

LOCATION AND TIMING OF FINAL EXAMINATIONS

Once the exam schedule has been finalized the exam date will be posted on your SOLUS account. The exam dates for each Term are listed on the Faculty of Arts and Science webpage under "Important Dates." Student exam schedules for the Fall Term are posted via SOLUS immediately prior to the Thanksgiving holiday; for the Winter Term they are posted on the Friday before Reading Week, and for the Summer Term they are individually noted on the Arts and Science Online syllabi. Students should delay finalizing any travel plans until after the examination schedule has been posted. Exams will not be moved or deferred to accommodate employment, travel/holiday plans or flight reservations.

Textbook and Materials

ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.

Required Textbooks

  • Goldstein, B.E. (2019) Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research, and Everyday Experience (5th edition). ISBN: 9781337763424 
  • Goldstein textbook + MindTap + COGLAB 5 bundle. ISBN: 9781337408288

Time Commitment

Students can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week (120 hours per term) in study/practice and online activities for PSYC 221.