Understanding Applied Cognitive Psychology

Course Overview

This Understanding Applied Cognitive Psychology short course will ground you in the key principles of cognitive psychology and the major elements of cognition (attention, perception and memory) that will serve as the foundation for more detailed exploration of these topics. You will also be introduced to key theories and research in areas of problem solving, decision making and expertise.

The focus throughout is on the applications of cognitive psychology, particularly in your own learning and problem solving.

We plan to cover the following:

• Key concepts in cognitive psychology
• Attention and its relevance to problem solving and learning
• Perception
• Human memory (long term, short term) and how an understanding of this can help your own learning
• Introduction to problem solving
• Creative problem solving
• How to become an expert
• Introduction to decision-making models (and their limitations)
• Heuristics and social biases
• Assumptions and methods within cognitive psychology

Assessment is via a 1500-word essay (50%) and one-hour in-class timed assessment (50%).

There may be multiple instances of the class starting on the same date and at the same time. This allows us to offer additional places and you can enrol on any that have availability.

As a student on this course, you will study alongside Birkbeck students enrolled on one of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses, giving you the opportunity to network with a range of Birkbeck current students whilst you learn.

This can be taken as a standalone short course or as part of:

• Applied Psychology (Certificate of Higher Education)

Credits: 15 credits at level 4