PY3ACT-Adaptive Control of Thought

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis or PY2RMP Research methods in Psychology or PY2APY Advanced Psychology
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Philip Beaman
Email: c.p.beaman@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Adaptive Control of Thought

Aims:

This module will give students the opportunity to consider the relationship between mind and world, and to provide a theoretical framework for considering how much of intelligent behaviour is dependent upon the mind-world interaction, and how the structure and contents of the cognitive system might reflect the structure of the environment within which it is embedded. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate claims that human cognition (especially decision-making, memory and meta-memory) has developed to meet specific environmental problems and is most effective within such domains.


2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of theoretical frameworks such as distributed cognition which regard cognitive competence as emergent from interactions between the human agent and the external world.


3. Accurately employ human factors principles to critically analyse cognitive artefacts as supports for human cognition/behaviour. 


4. Communicate the ideas behind these principles to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain experience from participating in evaluative discussions of research and theory in large and small groups.

Outline content:
The module comprises seven two-hour seminars.
Traditional psychological theories, especially cognitive theories, place all of the explanation for people's mental abilities in their mind/brain. This module will look at the idea that human abilities are actually based upon the distribution of cognition across people and things (cognitive artefacts) that are used to support cognition and behaviour. We will examine: How human cognition might be adapted to, or take advantage of, particular environmental settings; how cognitive ability might be underestimated when tested inappropriately; how putting knowledge "in the world" increases human abilities.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Seminars involve lectures and interactive critical discussions on research and theory.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		14
Guided independent study:		86
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is assessed through a final exam (100%).



The Summer Exam will require students to answer one essay question on topics covered in the module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Students will also have the opportunity to provide the module convenor with up to two essay plans for comment and feedback in preparation for the exam. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
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.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of at least 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment is by re-examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 6 September 2023