Module: Cognition

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Cognition
Module Code	PSY1056 (ITS: PSYC501)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

The aims of this module are to provide an advanced overview of theoretical, conceptual, research and methodological advances, at, or informed by, the forefront of enquiry within cognitive psychology. Particular focus will be on control and representational processes that cover core areas of cognition including attention, working memory and executive function, memory, language and reasoning. Theoretical issues, such as the etiology, development and remediation of disordered cognition will also be critically considered in the module.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically consider and evaluate key conceptual, theoretical, research and methodological advances, at, or informed by, the forefront of cognitive psychology.
2. Critically identify and consider key factors influencing typical cognitive function.
3. Critically appraise the etiology, development and remediation of disordered cognitive function.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	On campus lectures in line with learning outcomes and indicative content
Tutorial	4	4 tutorials to supplement workshops on key topics in Cognition
Independent Study	65	Lecture review and independent learning
Assignment Completion	34	Independent assessment preparation and completion
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11492	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	David McGovern	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Presentation	Short oral presentation on key topic in Cognition	20%	n/a
In Class Test	In-class tests consisting of 30 multiple choice questions and two essay-style questions that require a broad knowledge of topics covered during the semester	80%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Introduction and history of cognitive psychology

Theoretical issues in cognition

Experimental methods of investigation

Models of attention

Mental representation and imagery

Short- and long-term memory

Rationality, judgement and decision-making

Language and cognition

Emotion and cognition

Intelligence and knowledge

Consciousness

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Michael Eysenck, Mark T. Keane: 2020, Cognitive Psychology: A student's handbook, 8th, Psychology Press, London,
Michael Gazzinga, Richard Ivry: 2013, Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of Mind, 4th, WW Norton,
E. Bruce Goldstein, Johanna van Hooff: 2021, Cognitive Psychology, 2nd, Cenage Learning,
E.Bruce Goldstein: 2011, Cognitive Psychology, 3rd, Wadworth Publishing, Belmont, CA, US,
Nick Braisby, Angus Gellatly: 2012, Cognitive Psychology, 2nd, Oxford University Press, London,
Ken Gilhooly, Fiona Lyddy, Frank Pollick: 2014, Cognitive Psychology, McGraw-Hill, Berkshire, UK,
Edward E. Smith and Stephen M. Kosslyn: 2009, Cognitive Psychology, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, US,
Daniel Reisberg: 2013, Cognition, 4th, WW Norton, New York, US,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None