Cognition and Learning

Summary module description:
Cognition and Learning

Aims:
The aim of the module is that students should learn about basic concepts, theories and data in cognitive psychology and the psychology of learning, and become acquainted with the methods and results of research that provides evidence relevant to this area.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module the student will be able to:
Show knowledge of concepts, theories and supporting research evidence in cognitive psychology and associative and nonassociative learning theory, in a variety of forms such as written examination and multiple-choice test answers.

Additional outcomes:
Students will be expected to draw upon and apply relevant material from this module when introducing and discussing laboratory class experiments in the practical reports required for the module PY1PR.
The module also provides the option to submit an essay on a topic in cognition and learning, and to receive feedback on the student's level of performance prior to exams.

Outline content:
Cognition: Basic processes in human memory and attention; the study of additional topics such as amnesia, human judgment and decision-making processes. Learning: simple forms of associative and nonassociative learning, cognitive analysis of associative learning, psychobiology of learning.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
(a) Lectures including demonstrations, e.g. of memory phenomena
(b) Recommended reading from texts
(c) Preparation for and feedback from multiple choice questions and/or essay questions, in study support and feedback sessions.
(d) Optional tutorial discussion groups
(e) Optional essay for feedback
(f) Revision lecture in summer term

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam 100%

Other information on summative assessment:
This module is examined by a 1.5-hour written Summer Exam. The exam requires students to answer a set of multiple choice questions requiring knowledge of every lecture on the module, and to write one essay on topics covered in the module.

Formative assessment methods:
This module provides students with the opportunity to sign up to a tutorial group, at which students are able to discuss the material covered in lectures in relation to a specific essay question. Students are invited to write an essay on the topic, which tutors provide formative feedback for. The purpose of these tutorials is to encourage students to read widely and engage with lecture material; to practise writing essays on the lecture topics; and to provide students with feedback on their performance during the first term of their studies.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy.
The following penalties will be applied to coursework which is submitted after the deadline for submission:

where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark;
where the piece of work is submitted more than one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
(Please refer to the Undergraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guideUG.aspx)

Length of examination:
1.5 hours

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall