Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. Also required is 90 credits in psychology with at least 7.5 credits in methods and statistics. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

- Critically review central theoretical explanatory models of cognition and perception and account for how these have developed and been modified in

light of recent research.

- Account for current research and state of knowledge within the areas of cognition and perception.

- Account for and illustrate basic questions that are highlighted in cognitive psychological research on thought and knowledge processes in humans.

- Critically evaluate central approaches concerning research within

• cognitive psychology: primarily models of information processing, connectionist models, and use of functional brain imaging
• psychology of perception: alternative theoretical frameworks, primarily contrast between constructivist theory in modern shape and ecological theory of perception.

- Critically review research on basis of insights about state of research and limitations of central methods within the areas.

- Evaluate and suggest potential applications and implications of within the course nom discussed theory and empiricism for societal challenges.

Content

The course provides an in-depth knowledge of current research in cognitive and perception psychology, with an emphasis on cognition. The course deals with

thought and knowledge processes, such as attention, memory and thought processes as well as visual perceptual processes in humans. Applications of theory and empiricism to current challenges in society such as well-being and sustainability are discussed. Common theoretical starting points and dividing lines between the subject areas and top-down influences on perception are addressed. The emphasis is on traditional symbolic cognitive psychology models, but research inspired by connectionism and functional brain imaging are also covered.

Instruction

Teaching is given in the form of lectures and literature seminars at which active participation is required. The classes are given in English.

Assessment

The course is examined with individual written examination and active participation in seminars.