School/Faculty/Institute Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
Course Code PSYC 423
Course Title in English Readings and Research in Cognitive Psychology III
Course Title in Turkish Bilişsel Psikolojide Okuma ve Araştırma III
Language of Instruction EN
Type of Course Ters-yüz öğrenme
Level of Course İleri
Semester Spring
Contact Hours per Week
Lecture: 2 Recitation: 0 Lab: 1 Other: 0
Estimated Student Workload 164 hours per semester
Number of Credits 7.5 ECTS
Grading Mode Standard Letter Grade
Pre-requisites PSYC 205 - Research Methods I
Co-requisites None
Expected Prior Knowledge Research methods in psychology
Registration Restrictions Only Undergraduate Students
Overall Educational Objective To develop a broad understanding including theoretical background and research methods in cognitive psychology area specialized in memory studies.
Course Description This course is an advanced level course on readings and research in the area of cognitive psychology. The main goals of the course are to develop a solid understanding of theories and empirical findings in readings and research in cognitive processes specialized in memory processes; to enable the students to conduct research, evaluate the results and write them in an empirical format; to enable the students to read and critically evaluate the research findings communicated in scientific journals.

Course Learning Outcomes and Competences

Upon successful completion of the course, the learner is expected to be able to:
1) understand the fundamental theories in memory studies;
2) evaluate scientific articles in relation to the research methods and theories employed;
3) apply scientific research methods including programming and statistical software;
4) evaluate the statistical findings of research using statistical software;
5) write research results in an empirical format;
6) discuss and present cognitive psychology researches in the correct ethical format.
Program Learning Outcomes/Course Learning Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5 6
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation.
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts.
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline.
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards.
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences.
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level).
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement.
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses.
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning.
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations.

Relation to Program Outcomes and Competences

N None S Supportive H Highly Related
     
Program Outcomes and Competences Level Assessed by
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology. H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation. H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes. H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts. S Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline. H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards. H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences. H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level). H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity. H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement. S Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses. H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning. H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations. H Exam,Lab,Derse Katılım,Proje
Prepared by and Date BANU FEMİR GÜRTUNA , March 2022
Course Coordinator BANU FEMİR GÜRTUNA
Semester Spring
Name of Instructor Asst. Prof. Dr. BANU FEMİR GÜRTUNA

Course Contents

Week Subject
1) Overview and the History of Cognition and Memory
2) Neural Basis of Memory
3) Methods and Principles of Researches in Cognitive Psychology
4) Working Memory
5) Declarative Memory
6) Non-declarative Memory
7) Why Do We Forget?
8) Midterm Exam
9) False Memory
10) Emotions and Memory
11) Memory in Infancy and Childhood
12) Memory in Aging Brain
13) The Future of Memory Studies
14) Review – Q&As
15) Final Examination Period
16) Final Examination Period
Required/Recommended ReadingsRequired Textbook: Radvansky, G.A. (2017). Memory Studies (3rd Edition). Routledge. Required Readings: Articles given by the instructor each week. Recommended Textbook: Kellogg, R. T. (2003). Cognitive psychology. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.
Teaching MethodsFlipped format will be used for the whole course. Every week, students will be assigned to online lecture and related articles will be given before the class. At be beginning of the class, it is expected that students read the related articles and understand the concepts. In the second hour, these concepts and readings will be discussed by grouping students. One hour of the class will be a lab class where students are expected to work on their researches. All students are expected to be prepared for all classes and actively join the discussions, ask questions and try to find answers to these questions. In case students are having difficulties, they are free to contact the instructor anytime by e-mail.
Homework and ProjectsProject
Laboratory WorkStudents will use the lab, SPSS and other programming facilities for data entry and analysis. Also, the lab can be used for literature review for their research paper.
Computer UseStudents will use the computers in the lab, SPSS and other programming facilities for data entry and analysis. Also, the computers can be used for literature review for their research paper.
Other ActivitiesNone
Assessment Methods
Assessment Tools Count Weight
Attendance 1 % 15
Application 1 % 10
Midterm(s) 1 % 15
Paper Submission 1 % 35
Final Examination 1 % 25
TOTAL % 100
Course Administration femirb@mef.com

Attendance at all classes is compulsory. Students arriving 15 min. late will not be allowed to join that class. In case of missing an exam, students must provide an acceptable and documented excuse. Make-up exam will be held for the missed exams. Students are expected to treat university staff and others respectfully at all times. The commitment of acts of cheating, lying, and deceit in any of their diverse forms such as plagiarism, and copying during examinations will not be tolerated and will be punished according to YÖK and university regulations. Academic dishonesty and plagiarism: YÖK Disciplinary Regulation

ECTS Student Workload Estimation

Activity No/Weeks Hours Calculation
No/Weeks per Semester Preparing for the Activity Spent in the Activity Itself Completing the Activity Requirements
Course Hours 14 1 2 3 84
Application 1 20 20
Homework Assignments 1 10 2 6 18
Midterm(s) 1 8 2 10
Paper Submission 1 10 10
Final Examination 1 20 2 22
Total Workload 164
Total Workload/25 6.6
ECTS 7.5