Introductory description

To interest students in the psychology of perceiving, planning and acting

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Sensing and Perceiving
Perception of Colour
Perceiving Depth and Distance
Deficits in Perception
Deficits in Planning
Deficits in Action
An Introduction to Attention
Revision sessions

Learning outcomes

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

• Knowledge and understanding of the how perceptual processes work to provide useful information about the environment
• A basic knowledge of the neurobiology of vision.
• Knowledge of how abnormalities and/or damage to the nervous system lead to deficits in perception, planning and action
• A basic understanding of theories of perception, planning and attention and of how observations of the damaged or abnormal brain can play a role in developing and testing these theories

Indicative reading list

Wolf, J. et al. (2015) Sensation and Perception (4th Edition). Sunderland MA: Sinauer Associates

Ellis, A., & Young, A. (1996). Human cognitive neuropsychology : a textbook with readings. Hove : Psychology Press.

McCarthy, R A. & Warrington E. K. (1990) Cognitive Neuropsychology: A Clinical Introduction. Academic Press, Inc

Parkin, A.J, (1996). Explorations in Cognitive Neuropsychology. Blackwell Publishers Ltd

Styles, E. A. (1997). The psychology of attention. Psychology Press Ltd

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

knowledge and understanding of how the central nervous system uses neural signals to obtain information about the environment
knowledge of neuropsychological deficits in perception, planning and action
critical evaluation of cognitive psychological theories
employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical, and ethical issues associated with the range of methodologies;

Transferable skills

critical analysis of information
effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis
familiarity with collecting and organising stored information found in library book and journal collections, and online, critically evaluating primary and secondary sources;
effective personal planning and self-reflection skills