Philosophy of Psychology (327-0-21)
Instructors
Morgan Kelsey Thompson
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
What is the nature of short-term memory or implicit bias? Are our moral judgments impacted by emotional states? How do we know that tests like the n-back task, implicit association test, or fMRI studies produce evidence about memory, implicit attitudes, or emotional states? Psychologists appeal to tools of scientific reasoning, such as validation, construct development, and operational definitions, to evaluate when methods provide evidence about the objects of inquiry. We will analyze these tools as well as typical methods employed in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. These methods include: introspection, comparative animal research, controlled lab experiments, and functional neuroimaging. Using this analysis as background, we will evaluate particular cases of scientific reasoning about animal cognition, implicit bias, short-term and spatial memory, and moral judgment. At the end of this course, we will evaluate the role of replication and integration of results in producing knowledge about the mind/brain.
Learning Objectives
Develop capacity for critical evaluation of methods for investigating the mind/brain including their strengths and limitations. Recognize, understand, and evaluate the evidential support and structure of inferences (reverse inference, inferences concerning animal models) frequently made in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Apply theoretical concepts (constructs, validity, protocols, integration, replicability) and evidential reasoning to specific cases of psychological and cognitive neuroscientific research on prejudice, memory, animal cognition, emotions and moral judgment. Creatively apply theoretical concepts and evidential reasoning to novel cases. Clearly and persuasively communicate both empirical and logical arguments through writing and presentation. Provide reasons for one's interpretations or positions and to anticipate objections.
Class Materials (Required)
All class materials will be available on Canvas at NO cost to the student
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.