The course aims at providing students with the state of the art of research in the field of general psychology. To this aim, the course will deepen the theoretical principles of the main cognitive functions (for example, memory and attention) and the main basic processes (for example perception and emotions) of psychology. At the end of the course, the student will show general knowledge about: i) the main research methods in psychology; ii) basic cognitive processes (perception, attention, learning, memory, language and communication); iii) thinking and emotions.

The program is divided into three parts and will cover the following topics.

Part 1: Psychology as a science

Topic 1: From common sense psychology to scientific psychology

Topic 2: Methodology of research in Psychology

Part 2: From sensation to self-awareness

Topic 1: Sensation and perception

Topic 2: Attention and executive functions

Topic 3: Memory systems

Topic 4: Consciousness and awareness

Topic 5: Language

Part 3: From emotions to intelligence

Topic 1: Emotions

Topic 2: Motivation

None.

• The student will master the basic notions of the different theoretical approaches in the field of general psychology;
• The student will demonstrate an understanding of cognitive functions involved in specific clinical situations or psychological interventions;
• The student must show the ability to implement the theoretical models to describe the results of the empirical studies proposed during the classes;
• The student must be able to master the specific language for the description of basic psychological phenomena;
• The student must be able to critically evaluate materials related to scientific researches in the field of general psychology.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Slides and relevant papers will be made available through the blended learning platform.

Teaching

Lectures.

Attendance

Attendance is optional but is highly recommended.

Course books

Feldman, R. S., Amoretti, G., Ciceri, M.R. (2017). Psicologia generale (III Edizione) [Chapters: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11]. McGraw-Hill Education.

 Vernice, M. (2013). La raccolta e l’analisi dei dati linguistici. (pp. 1-14). In S. Rastelli (Ed.), La ricerca sperimentale sul linguaggio: acquisizione, uso, perdita. Pavia: Pavia University Press. (available on the blended learning platform).

Dell'Acqua, R., & Galfano, G. (2012). L'attenzione. In R. Job & R. Cubelli (Eds.), I processi cognitivi (pp. 93–120). Roma: Carocci Editore. (il capitolo sarà caricato sul sito blended).

Baroni, G., Pellicano, A., Borghi, A.M., Rumiati, R., Nicoletti, R. (2012). Le nostre reazioni di fronte ai guadagni e alle perdite. In Belelli, G., & Di Schiena, R. (Eds.). Decisioni ed emotioni: Come la psicologia spiega il conflitto tra ragione e sentimento. (pp. 64.84). Bologna: Il Mulino. (il capitolo sarà caricato sul sito blended).

 Scientific papers available online.

If needed, Erasmus students can ask for a textbook in English.

Assessment

A written test consisting of open questions. Students will have to summarize as well one of the scientific papers that will be presented during the course. The exam will last an hour.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Non-attending students must refer exclusively to the books listed in the course books section. Non-attending students will have the same requirements as attending students.

Attendance

Attendance is optional.

Course books

Non-attending students must refer exclusively to the books and chapters listed in the course books section.

Assessment

There are no differences with respect to the requirements for attending students.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

None.