283-1 (Intro)-1 (1) (1)

Lecture 1: Introduction

Overview

  • This is the first lecture for PSYC 283 focusing on Cognitive Psychology.

Course Overview

Course Content

  • Definition of Psychology:

    • Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

    • Focus on what makes psychology scientific.

Learning Outcomes

  • By the end of the lecture, students should be able to:

    1. Explain and meet class requirements and expectations.

    2. Define Cognitive Psychology.

Cognitive Psychology

Definition

  • Cognitive Psychology:

    • The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

    • Special focus on how information is processed (e.g., encoding, storage, transformation, retrieval).

Context in Psychology

  • Distinguishing Cognitive Psychology from Cognitive Science:

    • Cognitive Science is interdisciplinary encompassing fields like Anthropology, Computer Science, Linguistics, Philosophy, Psychology, Neuroscience, and Sociology.

    • Cognitive Psychology is a subdiscipline of Psychology focusing on human cognitive processes.

Key Themes in Cognitive Psychology

  • Five main pillars:

    • Biological: Neuroscience, Sensation, Consciousness.

    • Cognitive: Cognition, Memory, Perception, Intelligence.

    • Developmental: Learning, Life Span Development.

    • Social and Personality: Social Psychology, Personality Theory.

    • Health: Language, Emotion, Multicultural Issues, Motivation, Therapies.

Course Structure

  • Syllabus Components:

    • Use of Canvas for course organization.

    • Miscellaneous sections covering Scholarships and Enrollment (various courses).

Cognitive Psychology vs. Cognitive Science

Differences

  • Cognitive Psychology:

    • Focuses on behavioral data and human cognition.

    • Aims at understanding actual human behaviors.

    • Often employs experiments in understanding cognitive processes.

  • Cognitive Science:

    • Incorporates theoretical intelligence models, focuses on interdisciplinary studies.

    • Uses modeling in addition to behavioral data and brain imaging.

Course Requirements

Natural Science Courses

  • Students must select three courses from:

    • Biology (e.g., BILD 1-3, 10, etc.), Chemistry, Physics, etc.

Formal Skills and Statistics

  • Requirements include:

    • One programming course.

    • One statistics course (must be for a letter grade).

Research and Core Courses

  • Options include:

    • Research lab courses, Independent Research, Core Specialization Courses (e.g., PSYC 105).

    • Additional PSYC core courses and electives chosen from various offerings.

Conclusion

Recap

  • Reviewed:

    • Definition and scope of Psychology and Cognitive Psychology.

    • Overview of course structure and requirements.

Next Steps

  • Upcoming class will focus on various approaches to the field of Cognitive Psychology.