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

Topic 3: Studying homan as a complex model

Part 2: From sensation to language

Topic 1: Sensation and perception

Topic 2: Attention and executive functions

Topic 3: Memory systems

Topic 4: Attention

Topic 5: Language

Part 3: From emotions to intelligence

Topic 1: Emotions

Topic 2: Motivation

None.

• Knowledge and understanding: The student will master the basic notions of the different theoretical approaches in the field of general psychology;
• Applying knowledge and understanding: The student will demonstrate an understanding of cognitive functions involved in specific clinical situations or psychological interventions;
• Making judgements: 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 terminology for the description of basic psychological phenomena;
• Learning skills: 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

A seminar on the history of psychology is planned.

Teaching

2- or 3-hours classes

Innovative teaching methods

Students will be involved in activities such as discussion and creation of online presentations (video-pills) of articles read in class. The content produced will be shared with colleagues.

Attendance

Attendance is optional but is highly recommended.

Course books

Ciccarelli S.K., White, J.N. (2022) (Eds. Ricciardelli e Iani). Psicologia generale. Pearson

 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. (available on the blended learning platform).

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. (available on the blended learning platform).

 Scientific papers available online.

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

Assessment

A written test consisting of three 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 25 minutes.

Additionally, the student will have to submit a short essay based on a scientific paper that will be presented during the course.

The evaluation criteria are the following: 1) relevance and effectiveness of the answers in relation to the contents of the program; 2) degree of articulation of the answer; 3) adequacy of the language used.

The final evaluation will range from a minimum of 18 to a maximum of 30 cum laude.

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.

A written test consisting of three 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 25 minutes.

Additionally, the student will have to submit a short essay based on a scientific paper that will be presented during the course.

The evaluation criteria are the following: 1) relevance and effectiveness of the answers in relation to the contents of the program; 2) degree of articulation of the answer; 3) adequacy of the language used.

The final evaluation will range from a minimum of 18 to a maximum of 30 cum laude.

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.