CE1: To be familiar with the attentional, perceptual and motivational phenomena and their theoretical bases



CE2: To understand the tools and procedures used to measure these psychological processes



CE3: To apply that knowledge to daily phenomena and situations through case studies, the analysis of problems, and the elaboration of scientific reports



CE4: To be able to think critically and discuss the contents scientifically.

INTRODUCTION

-Cognitive processes as adaptations

-Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science

-Scientific method and the study of cognitive processes

Block 1: PERCEPTION

1.1.Perceptual process: from sensation to perception

1.2.Physiological aspects: from the receptors to the cortex

1.3.Different structures but same functioning.

2: PSYCHOPHYSICS

2.1.Classical psychophysics

2.1.2.What is psychophysics

2.1.3.Absolute threshold

2.1.4.Classic psychophysical methods

2.1.5.Differential threshold

2.1.6.Relationship between threshold and sensitivity

2.1.7.Criticisms to the threshold theory

2.2.Signal detection theory

2.2.1.Theoretical assumptions

3: PERCEPTUAL MODALITIES

3.1.Visual perception

3.2.Perceptual organization. Perceiving objects and scenes

3.3.Perceiving depth, motion and color

3.4.Color perception

3.5. Perceptual constancies

3.6. Auditory perception

3.7..Skin sense: touch, pressure, temperature and pain

3.8.Chemical senses: taste and smell

Developed competences C1, C2, C3 y C4

Block 2: ATTENTION

1.1.Introduction to attention. Attention and the cognitive system

1.2. Dimensions of attention

1.3. Where do we focus attention?

1.4. Is attention a conscious process?

1.5. Attention and information processing. Automatic and controlled processes

2: TYPES OF ATTENTION

2.1. Sustained attention: paradigms and relevant phenomena and theories

2.2. Selective attention: paradigms and relevant phenomena and theories

2.3. Divided attention: paradigms and relevant phenomena and theories

2.4. Executive attention

Block 3: MOTIVATION

1.1.Introduction

1.2.The motivational process

1.3.Cognitive aspects of motivation: plans, goals, cognitive dissonance, self concept, expectations and causal attributions.

1.4: Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation

1.5. Motivational value of rewards, punishments and incentives

1.6. Factors influencing intrinsic motivation

1.7. Characteristics of the activity

1.8. Self-perceptions

1.9.Which motivation type is best?

2: OTHER TYPES OF MOTIVATION AND APPLICATIONS

Types of motivation

2.1. Biological

2.2. Achievement

2.3. Affiliation

2.4. Power

2.5. Different areas of application

Personal motivation

Motivation in school

Motivation at work

Motivation and sports

Motivation and advertising

Theoretical classes where the material will be presented.

In practical classes will done experimental procedures. Different activities will be conducted around an experimental procedure in different teaching modalities. Students will work in cooperative groups.



In the first Classroom practical class (PA) the teacher will explain the logic of an experimental procedure. Then a demonstration will be conducted and data will be collected. The interpretation of the data will be explained. Students will practice it and ask questions.



In the first Workshop class (TA), or Computer Class (PO) students will conduct the experiment themselves. All the group will collaborate in the elaboration of a report. This report will include: the experimental logic, obtained data and their interpretation.



Finally, in the seminars (S) students will be examinated with an individual test. In this test it will presented the experimental procedures and the students will be able to solve this aplicating the knowlegde adquired in the practical clasess. The mark obtained in this test will be the mark of the practical part.

Developed competences C1, C2, y C4

IN THIS COURSE, IF YOU DON´T DO THE EXAM IT WILL BE UNDERSTOOD THAT YOU GAVE UP THAT PARTICULAR CALL.

Materials provided by the teacher

Basic bibliography

Beck, R. (2003). Motivation: Theories and principles (5th edition). New York. Prentice H

Blake, R. & Sekuler, R. (2005). Perception (5th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill

Goldstein, E.B. (2007). Sensation and Perception (8th edition). Wadsworth, Cengage Learning

Styles, E. (1997). The psychology of attention. Hove: Psychology Press Lsd.

In-depth bibliography

Graham, S. & Weiner, B. (1996). Theories and principles of motivation. New York. Prentice Hall.
Posner, M.I. & Fan, J. (2008). Attention as an organ system. In J. R.Pomerantz (Ed.), Topics in integrative neuroscience: From cells to cognition (1st ed., pp. 31–61). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge. University Press.
Reeve, J. (1994). Motivación y Emoción. Madrid: McGraw-Hill/Interamericana de España S. A.

Journals

Psicológica: http://www.uv.es/revispsi/
Psichotema: http://www.psicothema.com/
Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics.
Journal of Attention Disorders.
Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance.
Learning and Motivation.
Learning and Behavior
Motivation and Emotion