Cognitive Psychology (228-0-20)

Instructors

Sara C Broaders
847/491-3652
Swift 243, 2029 Sheridan Road

Meeting Info

Swift Hall 107: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course is an introduction to cognitive psychology, covering topics such as perception, attention, memory, concepts and knowledge, mental representation, language, reasoning, judgment, and decision-making. Classes will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and discussion. Students will be required to think critically about the assumptions and methods underlying research on class topics.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: Psychology 110 - Introduction to Psychology (AP Credit for Intro Psych is accepted)

Learning Objectives

Course Objectives & Goals:
• Understand the key theories, concepts, principles, and overarching themes of cognitive psychology.
• Gain understanding of the various types of research methods and tools that cognitive psychologists use.
• Evaluate the empirical evidence for the general theories presented for each topic to ascertain which theories and premises have the best scientific support.
• Use scientific reasoning to understand and interpret cognitive phenomena.
• Apply the theories and research findings from each of the specific topic areas to novel examples.
• Understand how various cognitive processes interact and influence each other.
• Apply cognitive psychological principles to personal and social issues.
• Recognize how cognitive processes are both shaped by and influence the social context.

Teaching Method

Lecture, in-class demonstrations, and some discussion

Evaluation Method

Grades will be based on ZAPS labs (demonstrations of classic experiments), practice quizzes, short paper, and exams.

Class Materials (Required)

Reisberg, D. (2026). Cognition: Exploring the Science of the Mind, 9th edition. New York: W.W.Norton. ISBN: 978-1-324-11478-9. [Note, the 6th, 7th, or 8th edition of the textbook is also acceptable.]

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Prerequisites apply, see description
SoC Individual and Social Behavior Distro