PY3FPR-Face Perception and Recognition

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn 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: Dr Katie Gray
Email: k.l.h.gray@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Face Perception and Recognition

Aims:

Humans are generally incredibly adept at recognising someone from their face. Not only are faces important for recognising identity, they also convey additional important social information. We will explore how individuals perceive and recognise identity, emotion, gender, and trait judgements (like trustworthiness) from faces. We will discuss atypical face processing skills in prosopagnosia, or ‘face blindness’, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We will also consider the leading theoretical models of face processing, and discuss current controversies. You will be encouraged to think critically about evidence, evaluate the strength of different arguments, and develop your own opinions.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

1. Critically evaluate research on how faces are perceived


2. Develop their research ideas by designing an empirical study to address a question on face processing

Additional outcomes:
Students will develop critical thinking and analysis skills through researching and evaluating relevant literature. Students will also develop their ability to communicate arguments clearly by participating in evaluative discussions of research and theory in large and small groups.

Outline content:

The module comprises seven 2-hour seminars.

We will explore how individuals perceive and recognise identity, emotion, gender, and trait judgements (like trustworthiness) from faces. Seminars will include lectures, interactive discussions, group tasks, and will also build students’ skills in poster design. Seminars are intended to provide an introduction to each topic and should be supplemented with independent reading of the literature. This module aims to encourage studentparticipation and active learning. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course will include a variety of teaching and learning methods. Seminars will include lectures, interactive discussions, and group tasks.

Contact hours:

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

Coursework will comprise a research proposal in poster format (100%).

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be provided with group-level feedback on material relevant to the assessment.

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:
The module must be passed by an aggregate score of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment is by coursework (research proposal in poster format) in the August resit period.

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: 30 March 2023