
Overview
Topics
- History of comparative cognition
- Sensory systems
- Memory
- Associative processes
- Orientation and navigation
- Causality and tool use
- Decision making
- Categorization and concept formation
- Social competence
- Prosocial behavior
- Communication
- Social learning
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
- Recognize and recall experimental findings that support or do not support existing theories in comparative cognition.
- Apply theories to predict outcomes of experimental manipulations.
- Engage in critical reading of primary and secondary sources.
- Combine critical reading skills and conceptual knowledge of comparative cognition to create a review of experimental findings for a broad audience.
Terms
Evaluation
10% - Quizzes
50% - Weekly Activities
20% - Paper Assignment
20% - Take-Home Final Exam
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Instructor Information
Dr. Mary Olmstead (olmstead@queensu.ca)
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 Textbook
- Olmstead, M.C., & Kuhlmeier, V.A. (2015). Comparative Cognition. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Time Commitment
Students can expect to spend approximately 9-10 hours a week (108-120 hours per term equivalent) in study/reading and online activity for.