2009 Fall PSY 238S-01
Bulletin Course Description Selected cognitive processes (e.g., encoding, retrieval, representation, information load) and how they work in everyday settings. Cognition in classrooms, courtrooms, hospitals, grocery stores, jobs, athletics, and dance. Special focus on medical cognition, courtroom cognition, and memory for movement. For each setting, successful vs. mediocre performance, task analysis, errors, experiments, applications. Presentations by the instructor, students, and specialists from the everyday world (e.g., pharmacists, judges, choreographers). Instructor consent required. Instructor: Day
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title EVERYDAY COGNITION Department PSY Course Number 2009 Fall 238S Section Number 01 Primary Instructor Day,Ruth S Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
Selected cognitive concepts (e.g., encoding, retrieval, representation, information load) and their application to everyday settings. Cognition in the classroom, courtroom, hospital, grocery store, and laboratory, as well as on the job, athletic field, construction site, dance floor, and computer. Special focus on medical cognition, courtroom cognition, and memory for movement. For each setting -- successful vs. mediocre performance, cognitive processes involved, task analysis, errors, experimental tests, and implications for both cognitive theory and everyday life. Class sessions include presentations by the instructor, students, and specialists from the everyday world (e.g., pharmacists, judges, choreographers). Instructor permission required.
Assignments
All written assignments are take-home. They include 2-3 short papers (2-3 pages), a research proposal (5-8 pages), and several brief exercises.
Exams
None.
Term Papers
Research proposal (5-8 pages).
Grade to be based on
Papers, exercises, class discussion.
