PYMMCN-Methods in Cognition and Neuroscience

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
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:

The purpose of this module is to inform students about some of the methods used in the study of cognition and neuroscience research. The focus of the module is on methodological issues in the study of cognitive psychology and neuroscience, for example understanding the function of the brain using fMRI, EEG and TMS. Students read set material and discuss it in a series of seminars. Students are required to make informal presentations of written material.

Aims:

The module aims (1) to discuss critically a variety of methodologies for research in cognition, perception, and neuroscience including topics ranging from cognitive modelling, experimental cognitive psychology and online testing to fMRI, EEG, TMS and neuropsychology (2) to present topical research in cognition and neuroscience, and to link it with research actively undertaken at Reading; (3) to enable students to perform critical evaluations of research in this field; (4) to support students in the design and planning of research activity.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Give a critical account of the range of methods deployed in answering research questions in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience.


• Show how different theoretical frameworks and the choice of specific research methods might influence research in cognitive psychology and human neuroscience.


• Demonstrate a clear understanding of empirical research in selected sub-areasof cognitive psychology and neuroscience.


• Demonstrate understanding of how to plan an empirical research project using a relevant methodology


• Demonstrate understanding of the impact that different human brain imaging techniques have had and are likely to have on progress in neuroscience.

Additional outcomes:

It is anticipated that this module will provide a platform for subsequent work by students on postgraduate courses in cognitive psychology and neuroscience.

Outline content:

Methods used in the study of cognition and neuroscience, specifically approaches such as cognitive modelling, experimental cognitive psychology, online testing, and techniques such as functional MRI, psychophysiology, and TMS.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Students will be given directed reading which they will be expected to have completed before attending seminars. Teaching sessions will last approximately three hours. A member of the Department of Psychology staff will give a short lecture on the important learning points. There will then be opportunity for 1.5 to 2 hours’ discussion, the aim of which will be to enable students to complete the required summative assignment.

Students should be aware that the standard s expected of them, in oral and written contributions, are higher than those expected in undergraduate work. Their work should in particular bear on issues of methodology.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	15
Guided independent study:	85
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The assignment for this module is a critical review and evaluation of an empirical research paper, as would be carried out by a journal reviewer or editor.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

If a student fails the assignment, an alternative, equivalent assignment can be submitted.  The assignment and date of submission will be by arrangement with the Module Convenor and/or Programme Director. Students should note however that, given the University regulations on failing credits, it may not be in their interests to resubmit the coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 30 March 2023