This course is intended for anyone interested in learning about the mental processes and strategies underlying human behavior. The ways in which sensory input is transformed, reduced, elaborated, stored, and recovered will be examined in order to develop a picture of the human mind as an active processor of information. Topics will include perception, pattern recognition, attention, mental imagery, memory, categorization, problem solving, and decision making. Students will gain experience with research methods in cognitive psychology by participating in online experiments. Course assignments will emphasize applications of cognitive research to everyday life. No previous experience with psychological science is necessary to take this course.
Students may not receive credit for both PSY 1401 and PSY 2403.