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Unit outline_

PSYC3012: Cognitive Psychology

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit extends the theories and methods of investigating memory and attentional processes discussed in PSYC2013/PSYC2016 to consider a number of domains of higher cognitive processing including memory, language, object and face recognition, categorisation, and reasoning. An integrating theme of the course will be how such cognitive capacities contribute to skilled behaviour and expertise across a range of domains of human behaviour, and how they are implemented in artificial intelligence systems. The practical program will expose students to a variety of the research methods used to investigate higher cognitive processes, develop their understanding of how these methods can be used to investigate hypotheses about mental processes and consider applications of cognitive research to real-world problems and issues.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Psychology Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
PSYC2012 and (PSYC2013 or PSYC2016)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Daniel Pearson, daniel.pearson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Bruce Burns, bruce.burns@sydney.edu.au
Reuben Rideaux, reuben.rideaux@sydney.edu.au
Daniel Pearson, daniel.pearson@sydney.edu.au
Steson Lo, steson.lo@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
hurdle task
Final Exam
See Canvas for details.
45% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO10
Small continuous assessment Lecture Quizzes
See Canvas for details.
5% Ongoing See Canvas for details.
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Tutorial quiz Quiz 1
See Canvas for details.
5% Week 05 See Canvas for details.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4
Tutorial quiz Quiz 2
See Canvas for details.
5% Week 08 See Canvas for details.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4
Assignment Research Report
See Canvas for details.
35% Week 10
Due date: 29 Apr 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 27 May 2024
See Canvas for details.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Tutorial quiz Quiz 3
See Canvas for details.
5% Week 12 See Canvas for details.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

  • Lecture Quizzes: Please see Canvas for all details surrounding the Lecture Quizzes.
  • Tutorial Quizzes: If you miss any of the Tutorial Quizzes, you may apply for Special Consideration, from which the only outcome is a 'mark adjustment' of the Tutorial Quiz(zes) you missed. If you do not complete any of the Tutorial Quizzes and are not awarded Special Consideration, you will just receive 0 for the Tutorial Quiz(zes) you missed.
  • Research Report: If you do not attempt the Research Report by the closing date, you may apply for Special Consideration, from which the only outcome is a 'replacement', details of which would be sent to you by the Unit of Study Coordinator by the end of the semester. If you do not attempt the Research Report by the closing date and are not awarded Special Consideration, you will just receive 0 for the Research Report.
  • Final Exam: If you do not attempt the Final Exam, you will need to apply for Special Consideration, from which the only outcome is a 'replacement', and the Replacement Exam would be completed in the University's Replacement Exam period. If you do not attempt the Final Exam and are not awarded Special Consisderation, you will receive an Absent Fail (AF) grade for this unit, as the Final Exam is a compulsory assessment.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Object & face recognition 1 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
Week 02 Object & face recognition 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
Face and Object Recognition Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 03 Memory and Forgetting Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
PRAC EXPERIMENT Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO9
Week 04 Reasoning and logic 1 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
Implicit Learning Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8
Week 05 Reasoning and logic 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
(1) Quiz 1. (2) RESEARCH REPORT DISCUSSION Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO9
Week 06 Skilled behaviour and expertise 1 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
Week 07 Skilled behaviour and expertise 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
Reasoning 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 08 Language and thought Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
(1) Quiz 2. (2) Reasoning 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO8 LO10
Week 09 Developmental language disorders Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
Skill Acquisition Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO10
Week 10 Reading development & skilled reading Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
Developmental Disorders. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO10
Week 11 Similarity and Knowledge Representation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
Teaching reading Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 12 Applications to education and industry Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10
(1) Quiz 3. (2) Bilingualism Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 13 Causal thinking, beliefs, and misinformation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO10

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Display basic knowledge and understanding of major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in cognitive psychology
  • LO2. Demonstrate ability to describe, explain and evaluate research studies examining cognitive processes involved in language, visual recognition, memory, reasoning and skilled behaviour.
  • LO3. Develop the ability to locate, collect, analyse, manage, integrate and convey information using appropriate resources, tools, methods and strategies.
  • LO4. Understand the issues involved in designing and conducting research to investigate cognitive psychological questions
  • LO5. Develop and apply critical and creative thinking, sceptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to solve problems related to cognitive psychology.
  • LO6. Use reasoning and evidence to recognise, develop, defend, and criticise arguments and persuasive appeals
  • LO7. Communicate effectively in a variety of formats in a manner that is appropriate to the audience and the context.
  • LO8. Work productively, collaboratively and openly across diverse groups, demonstrating understanding of the complexity of sociocultural, linguistic and international diversity.
  • LO9. Use information in an ethical manner and learn to recognise and promote ethical practice in research
  • LO10. Understand and apply psychological principles in interdisciplinary contexts; integrate and synthesise multiple viewpoints to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.1. Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics:
1.1.1. the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social,
1.1.5. learning and memory
1.1.6. cognition, language and perception
LO2
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.1. Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics:
1.1.12. research methods and statistics.
1.1.5. learning and memory
1.1.6. cognition, language and perception
1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
1.6. Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.
LO3
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.1. Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics:
1.1.12. research methods and statistics.
1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
1.6. Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.
LO4
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.1. Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics:
1.1.11. culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement
1.1.12. research methods and statistics.
1.1.5. learning and memory
1.1.6. cognition, language and perception
LO5
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.1. Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics:
1.1.12. research methods and statistics.
1.1.5. learning and memory
1.1.6. cognition, language and perception
1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
LO6
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.1. Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics:
1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
1.6. Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.
LO7
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
LO8
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.2. Apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
1.4. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
1.5. Demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork.
LO9
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.4. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council - APAC
1.1. Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics:
1.3. Analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
1.6. Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

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