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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Cognition across the Lifespan
Module Code PSYC301
School 37
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Lorraine Boran
Semester 2: Lorraine Boran
Autumn: Lorraine Boran
Module TeachersLorraine Boran
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Description

This module provides an advanced overview of cognitive function across the lifespan including a focus on executive function and reasoning; visual and social cognition; and representational processes (e.g. knowledge and expertise). Theoretical issues, including the etiology, development and remediation of disordered cognitive function will also be critically considered in this module.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate key theories of cognitive functions covered in the module
2. Critically consider key studies covered in the module
3. Identify and analyse key factors influencing cognitive functions covered in the module
4. Critically consider developmental and lifespan aspects of cognitive functions covered in the module
5. Critically consider the causes, development and remediation of disordered cognitive functions covered in the module



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture20Based on indicative content and learning outcomes; Asynchronous active listening and engagement with lecture material; including synchronous contact.
Tutorial4Moderator and student-led tutorials; Synchronous and Asynchronous formats
Independent Study101Self directed learning; Loop Active Discussion and Events (5); Seminar and Assessment preparation (86); Directed article readings (10)
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Executive Function, cognition and Reasoning
Developmental and Lifespan aspects Candidate endophenotypes Cognitive reserve

Visual Cognition and Expertise

Social Cognition

Representational processes and Expertise

Theoretical Issues in Cognitive Psychology

Etiology, development and remediation of disordered cognitive function

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentCA1 Opinion Piece in Frontiers in Psychology worth 50% Choose one title out of four special topic calls. Thematic areas include (1) Executive Function and Reasoning over the lifespan; (2) Expertise and Expert Representation; (3) Language and Cognition; or (4) Cognitive Reserve.50%n/a
PresentationCA2 Pre Recorded Conference Oral Presentation worth 50% Students are required to develop an oral presentation based on an intervention to target patient deficit related to (1) social cognition across the lifespan (can choose cohort based on patient type/age). The 8 minute presentation is required to outline the state of the art in terms of characterizing the deficit within the cohort of interest, and focus on one intervention type and evidence to date on efficacy. Oral presentation following guidelines, format and professional standards for a scientific meeting. The focus is on the Cognitive Theoretical Framework(s) employed; Disorder and Intervention.50%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Nick Braisby, Angus Gellatly: 2012, Cognitive Psychology, 2nd, Oxford University Press, London, 9780199236992
  • Fergus Craik, Ellen Bialystok: 2006, Lifespan Cognition: Mechanisms of Change, Oxford University Press UK,
  • Fergus Craik, Timothy Salthouse: 2015, The Handbook of Aging and Cognition, 3rd Ed, Psychology Press UK,
  • Michael Eysenck, Mark T. Keane: 0, Cognitive Psychology Ed7, 7th, Psychology Press, 9781841695402
  • Ken Gilhooly, Fiona Lyddy, Frank Pollick: 2014, Cognitive Psychology, McGraw-Hill, Berkshire, UK, 978-0077122669
  • David Groome: 2013, An Introduction to Cognitive Psychology, processes and disorders., Hoboken, Taylor and Francis.,
  • Gutchess, A.: 2019, Cognitive and Social Neuroscience of Aging (Cambridge Fundamentals of Neuroscience in Psychology) Cognitive and Social Neuroscience of Aging (Cambridge Fundamentals of Neuroscience in Psychology)., Cambridge University Press.,
  • David Z. Hambrick (Editor), Guillermo Campitelli (Editor), Brooke N. Macnamara (Editor): 2017, The Science of Expertise: Behavioral, Neural, and Genetic Approaches to Complex Skill (Frontiers of Cognitive Psychology) 1st Edition, Routledge,
  • Edward E. Smith and Stephen M. Kosslyn; with the contributions of Lawrence W. Barsalou... [et al.]: 2009, Cognitive psychology, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J., 9780131825086
  • Wiebe, Sandra; Karbach, Julia: 2017, Executive Function: Development Across the Life Span (Frontiers of Developmental Science) 1st Edition, 1st, Psychology Press; 1 edition (July 29, 2017), 978-113865555
  • John Anderson,: 2009, Cognitive Psychology and its Implications, 7th, Worth Publishers, New York, 9781429219488
  • Alan Baddeley: 2007, Working memory, thought, and action, Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K, 9780198528012
  • Alan Baddeley, Michael W. Eysenck and Michael C. Anderson: 2009, Memory, Psychology Press, Hove, 9781848720008
  • Vicki Bruce, Andy Young,: 2011, Face Perception, Psychology Press, Hove, 9781841698786
  • edited by Andrew R. A. Conway... [et al.]: 2007, Variation in working memory, Oxford University Press, USA, 9780195168631
  • edited by K. Anders Ericsson... [et al.]: 2006, The Cambridge handbook of expertise and expert performance, Cambridge University Press, USA, 9780521600811
  • E. Bruce Goldstein,: 2011, Cognitive Psychology, 3rd, Wadworth Publishing, Belmont, CA, 9780840033550
  • David Hardman (Editor), Laura Macchi (Editor): 2005, Thinking: Psychological Perspectives on Reasoning, Judgment and Decision Making, Wiley, Chichester, 9780470025727
  • Trevor Harley: 2008, The Psychology of Language, 3rd, Psychology Press, New York, 9781841693828
  • Finkel, Deborah; Reynolds, Chandra: 2013, Behavior Genetics of Cognition Across the Lifespan (Advances in Behavior Genetics), Springer; 2014 edition (July 10, 2013), 978-146147446
  • Keith J. Holyoak Ph.D. (Editor), Robert G. Morrison Ph.D. (Editor): 2012, The Oxford Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning, Oxford University Press, USA, 978-0199734689
  • Nick Lund,: 0, Attention (Foundations of Psychology), Routledge, London, 9780415592147
  • Ken Manktelow: 2012, Reasoning and Thinking, Psychology Press, Hove, 1841697413
  • Michael I. Posner PhD (Editor): 2011, Cognitive Neuroscience of Attention, 2nd, The Guilford Press, London, 9781609189853
  • [edited by] Richard A. P. Roche and Seán Commins: 2009, Pioneering studies in cognitive neuroscience, Open University Press, Maidenhead, 9780335233564
  • Philip Quinlan & Ben Dyson: 2008, Cognitive psychology, Pearson Harlow, UK, 9780131298101
  • Daniel Reisberg: 2010, Cognition, 4th, W. W. Norton, New York, 9780393198515
  • Robert J. Sternberg,: 2011, Cognitive Psychology, 6th, Wadsworth Publishing, Belmont, CA, 9781111344764
  • Elizabeth Styles,: 2006, The Psychology of Attention, 2nd, Psychology Press, Hove, 9781841693972
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
BPDTBSc Psychology & Disruptive Technologies
BPMBSc in Psychology with Mathematics
BPYBSc (Honours) in Psychology
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