Module PSP-3006:
Disorders of Soc Cognition

Run by School of Psychology

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Richard Ramsey

This module will consider human brain function in social contexts. The approach will focus on exploring the neural bases of social cognition in healthy individuals, as well as providing case studies from atypical populations, whose pathologies are typified by dysfunction in social information processing. Examples of such pathologies include autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

By examining healthy and atypical populations, this module will highlight both how disorders of social cognition can inform our understanding of healthy brain function, as well as how understanding healthy brain function can inform disorders of social cognition.

Topics covered in this module include:

• Forms of social cognition in humans

• Brain systems supporting social cognition in humans

• Techniques for studying social cognition in typical and atypical populations

• Case studies of atypical populations, whose conditions are typified by a dysfunction in social information processing

threshold

Adequate understanding of the material is demonstrated, which is largely based on information provided within lectures.

good

Generally accurate coverage of relevant material, which shows evidence of independent thought that extends lecture materials. Well organised and structured.

excellent

Consistently accurate coverage of relevant material, which shows a depth of independent thought that comprehensively extends lecture materials. Well organised and structured with a clear and efficient writing style.

1. Critically evaluate theories and data relating to social neuroscience.

2. Relate how knowledge of the healthy brain can inform our understanding of individuals with social cognitions impairments, and vice versa.

3. Generate a novel research question and outline an experiment that would extend current knowledge in social neuroscience.

4. Effectively communicate scientific material relating to social neuroscience in an oral and written formats.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Oral Presentation of Grant Proposal		25
	Written Grant Proposal		70
	Attendance to all Oral Presentations		5

		Hours
Lecture		33
Private study		167

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.

• Understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
• Communicate psychological concepts effectively in written form.
• Communicate psychological concepts effectively in oral form.
• Be computer literate for the purpose of processing and disseminating psychological data and information.
• Retrieve and organise information effectively.
• Handle primary source material critically.
• Use effectively personal planning and project management skills.
• Work effectively under pressure (time pressure, limited resources, etc) as independent and pragmatic learners.
• Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence.
• Understand and investigate the role of brain function in all human behaviour and experience.
• Comprehend and use psychological data effectively, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the application and limitations of various research paradigms and techniques.
• Employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated with the use of different methodologies, paradigms and methods of analysis in psychology.
• Be aware of ethical principles and approval procedures.

Compulsory in courses:

• C842: Psych with Health Psych year 3 (BA/PSYH)
• C880: BSC Psych with Cl & Hlth Psych year 3 (BSC/PHS)
• C88B: BSc Psychology w Clin & Health Psy (4yr with Incorp Found) year 3 (BSC/PHS1)
• 8X44: BSc Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology (Int Exp) year 4 (BSC/PHSIE)
• C801: BSC Psychol w Neuropsychol year 3 (BSC/PSYN)
• C83B: BSc Psychology with Neuropsychology (4yr with Incorp Found) year 3 (BSC/PSYN1)
• C809: BSc Psychology with Neuropsy (with International Experience) year 4 (BSC/PSYNIE)
• C808: MSci Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology year 3 (MSCI/PHS)

Optional in courses:

• C8X1: BSc Psychology with Child Language Development (Int Exp) year 4 (BSC/PCIE)
• C804: BSc Psychology (with International Experience) year 4 (BSC/PIE)
• C800: BSC Psychology year 3 (BSC/PS)
• C81B: BSc Psychology (4 year with Incorporated Foundation) year 3 (BSC/PS1)
• C8X9: BSC Psychology w.Chld Lng. Dvlpmnt year 3 (BSC/PSCLD)
• C807: MSci Psychology year 3 (MSCI/PS)