Cognitive Psychology (PSY3153)
Spring 2013
Time: 1:30-2:45
Days: T R
McBrien Hall, Room 313

Instructor: Dr. Aneeq Ahmad
Office: 301E, McBrien Hall
Phone: (870) 230-5339
Email: ahmada@hsu.edu
Website: http://fac.hsu.edu/ahmada
Office Hours: By appointment

Required Text

Matlin, M. W. (2012). Cognition (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning Inc.

Week

Chapter

Topic

1

Chapter 1

Introduction/Historical Overview

2

Chapter 2

Perceptual Processes I

3

Chapter 3

Perceptual Processes II

4

Chapter 4

Working Memory

5        Exam 1: Chapters 1-4, Tuesday, Feb. 12, Time: 1:30-2:45

5-6

Chapter 5

Working Memory, Long-Term Memory

7

Chapter 6

Metacognition

8-9

Chapter 7

Imagery, General Knowledge

9         Exam 2: Chapters 5-7, Tuesday, Mar. 12, Time: 1:30-2:45 and paper due.

10       Spring Break (March 18-22)

11

Chapter 8, 9

General Knowledge, Language Comprehension

12

Chapter 9, 10

Language Comprehension, Language Production

13

Chapter 10, 11

Language Production, Problem Solving

14        Exam 3: Chapters: 8-10, Tuesday, Apr. 16, Time: 1:30-2:45

14-15

Chapter 11

Problem Solving

15

Chapter 12

Reasoning and Decision Making

16

Chapter 13

Cognitive Development

17       Exam 4: Chapters 11-13, Tuesday, May 7, 1:00-3:00

Course Objectives
The course is designed as an overview of cognitive psychology. It draws heavily on areas like perception, memory, knowledge, and language, thinking and reasoning. Students will understand these concepts and go beyond a basic understanding of these areas, gaining their insights heavily from empirical studies.

Assessment Procedure

Attendance      10% (Students are required to attend all classes.)
Exam 1                20%
Exam 2                20%
Exam 3                20%
Exam 4                20%
Paper                   10% 

Four exams, attendance, and term paper constitute assessment for this course. Exams are given on the day they are scheduled (see above). Missed exams cannot be made up for any reason. The exams will be based on the textbook and class notes and will comprise of short essay and multiple-choice questions. No exam will be cumulative.

Students are expected to write a 7-10 page (12-point double-spaced) summary paper on an area of cognitive psychology in APA style. Resources for this paper need to come from peer-reviewed journals. Huie Library has access to many psychology databases including PsycINFO, which provides access to a variety of journal articles in the field of psychology. These databases can be accessed either from the library or off campus. Many full text articles may be available through these databases. Paper due date is March 12, 2013.

Use of Cell Phones
Cell phones, texting and other electronic correspondence is strictly prohibited in class and/or exams. Students with disabilities or students given permission to use such devices will be the only exception. Use of unauthorized cell phone use in classroom can have unpleasant consequences.

Plagiarism and Cheating Behavior
Plagiarism and cheating are considered serious academic disobediences at Henderson State University. Plagiarism or cheating could result in getting a penalty that could range from getting failed (grade F) in an exam or paper, to a failure in the course, or to suspension in the entire semester. All work done must be original in content, and not copied or cheated from a source. For clarification, what is plagiarism or cheating, compared to presenting ideas from sources in appropriate ways, please consult your instructor.

Students with Special Needs
It is the policy and practice of Henderson State University to create inclusive learning environments.  If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or to accurate assessment of achievement—such as time-limited exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos—please notify the instructor as soon as possible. If you have not previously contacted the Disability Resource Center (Edwards House, 1039 Henderson Street, 870-230-5475), I encourage you do so.  For more information, visit the DRC website at www.hsu.edu/disability. 

School’s Mission State
Henderson State University, “The School with a Heart,” offers quality undergraduate and graduate education to a diverse student body. As Arkansas’ public liberal arts university, we empower each student to excel in a complex and changing world.

Have a happy and a productive semester!