Overview

This module examines the methodological foundations of cognition and brain research, while providing examples from selected topics across psychology and neuroscience. The module will expose students to a diverse set of methods, and they will acquire the knowledge and critical thinking skills to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of each, as well as the ability to devise an original research proposal that applies their understanding to a specific research question. Students will take part in interactive lectures and seminars in which peers can discuss the merits of published research papers, and identify ways in which future studies can further understanding. Learning outcomes will be assessed via oral presentations and coursework which challenge students to demonstrate a depth of understanding and analytical thinking. This module prepares students for further study leading to careers in research, as well as careers in which research informs practice, such as clinical psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, education and educational psychology, and psychiatry.

Topics may include: •Brain structure and function •Behavioural methods •Cognitive neuropsychology •Cognitive, clinical and/or computational neuroscience methods

Assessment Strategy

Excellent (A- to A**) •Excellent presentation of comprehensive knowledge and evidence of additional reading. •Excellent demonstration of an ability to synthesise a range of scientific findings, using a clear, concise, and accurate style in written assignments. •Excellent evaluative skills with respect to the advantages and disadvantages associated with different methods or approaches. •Excellent use of evidence to support the points made. •Excellent and logical development of arguments in written assignments, including a demonstration of the ability to apply knowledge to explain or propose a piece of research. •Excellent oral skills, demonstrating a clear understanding, independent work, and critical thinking.

Good (B- to B+) •Good presentation of strong knowledge and evidence of additional reading. •Good demonstration of an ability to synthesise a range of scientific findings, using a clear, concise, and accurate style in written assignments. •Good evaluative skills with respect to the advantages and disadvantages associated with different methods or approaches. •Good use of evidence to support the points made. •Good and logical development of arguments in written assignments, including a demonstration of the ability to apply knowledge to explain or propose a piece of research. •Good oral skills, demonstrating a clear understanding, independent work, and critical thinking.

Satisfactory (C- to C+) •Satisfactory presentation of knowledge, but with some inaccuracies. Little evidence of additional reading. •Satisfactory demonstration of an ability to synthesise scientific findings, using a relatively clear, style in written assignments. •Satisfactory evaluative skills with respect to the advantages and disadvantages associated with different methods or approaches. •Satisfactory development of arguments in written assignments, including a demonstration of the ability to apply knowledge to explain or propose a piece of research, although arguments lacked coherence. •Satisfactory oral skills, demonstrating an understanding of the main elements of the subject area, but with little evidence of critical thinking.

Poor (D- to D+) •Knowledge of key principles only. Many errors and weaknesses in terms of presentation and accuracy. •Poor attempt to synthesise scientific findings. •Poor attempt to evaluate different methods or approaches with respect to their advantages and disadvantages. •Arguments are presented but they lack coherence and demonstrate a limited ability to apply knowledge to explain or propose a piece of research. •Poor oral skills, demonstrating limited understanding of the main elements of the subject area, with little or no evidence of critical thinking. •Little to no evidence of additional reading.

Learning Outcomes

• Able to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of different research techniques used to study brain-behaviour relationships.

• Evaluate current models and empirical findings related to selected topics in cognition and brain research, and discuss them with peers.

• Prepare a research proposal to tackle an important question in the field of psychology and/or neuroscience.