Ateneo - UPO

The course provides a systematic introduction to the scientific study of the main cognitive processes and the basic mechanisms underlying human psychological functioning. The course is delivered in an interactive format and addresses fundamental topics such as sensation and perception, attention, learning, memory, thinking, language, and knowledge processes.

The different cognitive processes are examined through a multi-perspective approach aimed at fostering an integrated and critical understanding of the functioning of the human mind, highlighting the interrelations among cognitive processes and their role in individual experience and behavior.
The course also explores the impact of psychological processes on everyday life, with reference to applied contexts such as learning, communication, decision-making, and problem solving.

- Slides of the lessons
- For non Italian speaking students, the book may be replaced by:

Schacter, D.L., Gilbert, D.T., & Wegner, D.M. (2011, 2nd edition). Psychology. New York, Worth Publishers.
Chapters to be prepared for the exam:
Chapter 1 - Psychology: The evolution of a science
Chapter 2 - Sensation and perception
Chapter 6 - Memory
Chapter 7 - Learning
Chapter 8 - Emotion and motivation
Chapter 9 - Language and thought

The exam is the same for attending and non-attending students. For any academic or organizational needs, it is possible to contact the lecturer to arrange a meeting.
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The course objectives are as follows:
1) Knowledge of the main areas and theoretical models of general psychology: At a basic level, students are required to have a general knowledge of the main areas of inquiry in general psychology and of the theoretical models that describe their functioning. At an advanced level, students are required to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the main theoretical models, being able to illustrate their underlying assumptions, the empirical evidence supporting them, and their main interpretative limitations.

2) Mastery of disciplinary scientific terminology: At a basic level, students are required to know and correctly use the scientific terminology of general psychology, being able to define clearly and appropriately the main concepts and theoretical constructs. At an advanced level, students are required to demonstrate broad and conscious mastery of disciplinary terminology, using it precisely and critically in constructing explanations and arguments.

3) Ability to understand and relate models and cognitive processes: At a basic level, students are required to identify relationships among the different cognitive processes studied and to compare the main theoretical models in general terms. At an advanced level, students are required to critically compare theories and models, highlighting convergences, differences, and theoretical and methodological implications.

4) Ability to apply theoretical models to the analysis of situations and problems: At a basic level, students are required to apply the main theoretical models to the analysis of simple examples or cases, identifying the cognitive processes involved. At an advanced level, students are required to use the conceptual tools of general psychology to analyze more complex and current problematic situations, formulating interpretations consistent with the scientific knowledge acquired.

5) Ability to argue within the field of psychology: At a basic level, students are required to develop a clear, coherent, and well-structured presentation of the course contents. At an advanced level, students are required to mobilize the knowledge acquired in an autonomous and critical manner in order to construct a scientifically grounded argument, integrating theoretical models and empirical evidence.

No particular prerequisites are required for the course. During the lessons, a purely scientific and notional psychological language will be used.

The course is organised to include 30 hours (6CFU) of lecture time and it is conducted through frontal in-person lessons. Slides will be loaded on the course page. A timetable of the frontal lessons will be provided at the beginning of the course.

The course is available on DIR, where the materials used during the lectures will be provided. Students are therefore strongly advised to register on DIR, where announcements and communications will also be posted. Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the teacher to define the examination modalities, concerning didactic aspects.

Assessment is based on the indicated reference text and on the materials presented during lectures. Learning assessment takes place through: 1) an optional written pre-test, valid for one academic year, held on the last day of the course; 2) a written and an oral examination, mandatory for those who do not pass or do not accept the pre-test. The written and the oral exam may be taken in English.

The pre-test lasts 30 minutes and consists of 31 multiple-choice questions. Scores are assigned as follows: 1 point for each correct answer; 0 points for incorrect or unanswered questions. The grade is expressed out of thirty and is considered passed with at least 18/30. Pre-test results will be published on the course DIR page in anonymous form (student ID number only).
(a) If the written pre-test result is sufficient (≥ 18/30), each student must inform the lecturer whether they intend to accept or decline the grade by sending an email from their institutional address (@edu.uniupo.it). Accepting the grade means that it will be officially recorded during one of the exam sessions without having to take the oral examination.
(b) If the pre-test result is insufficient (<18), or if the student chooses not to accept the grade, or if the pre-test has not been taken, assessment will take place through a written and an oral examination during one of the exam sessions.

Students are reminded that in all the cases described above, registration for one of the exam sessions is MANDATORY.


2)Written and oral examination
The written examination consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and lasts 30 minutes (maximum score: 30 points). Scores are assigned as follows: 1 point for each correct answer; 0 points for incorrect or unanswered questions. The grade is expressed out of thirty and is considered passed with at least 18/30. Students who pass the written examination will proceed to the oral examination, which consists of 2 questions and may contribute up to 5 points to the final grade.
The oral examination lasts approximately 10 minutes. Questions will allow students to demonstrate their ability to develop an autonomous argument. Honors (cum laude) will be awarded when, in addition to achieving the maximum score, the student demonstrates particular critical maturity, full conceptual mastery, and the ability to independently elaborate on the course contents.

The questions aim to assess knowledge of the main theoretical models of general psychology, understanding of cognitive processes, the ability to apply knowledge to concrete cases, and critical reasoning skills. Assessment is based on the following criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding of the contents – up to 1,5 points
• Ability to establish connections among different cognitive processes and demonstrate critical reasoning – up to 2 points
• Ability to apply knowledge to concrete cases – up to 1,5 points
The oral examination may increase or decrease the score obtained in the written examination, depending on the student's performance.

-Scientific Psychology: Historical Development

-Sensation and Perception

- Attention

- Learning and Experience

- Memory

- Thinking

- Communication and Language

- Knowledge and Mental Simulation

The expected learning outcomes are as follows:

1) Knowledge and understanding
At a basic level, students are required to be able to describe the main areas of inquiry in general psychology and to illustrate their fundamental concepts and principal theoretical models. At an advanced level, students are required to provide an in-depth explanation of the theoretical models that describe cognitive functions, comparing their theoretical assumptions, fields of application, strengths, and limitations, also in light of empirical evidence.

2) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At a basic level, students are required to apply the main theoretical models of general psychology to the analysis of simple examples and situations, identifying the cognitive processes involved. At an advanced level, students are required to use theoretical models to critically analyze more complex situations, formulating interpretative hypotheses consistent with scientific data and arguing them appropriately.

3) Autonomy of judgment
At a basic level, students are required to identify relationships and differences among theories and models concerning the main cognitive functions. At an advanced level, students are required to critically evaluate theories and empirical research findings, highlighting their theoretical, methodological, and applied implications.

4) Communication skills
At a basic level, students are required to present the contents of general psychology clearly, accurately, and coherently, using appropriate disciplinary scientific terminology. At an advanced level, students are required to construct a well-structured and scientifically grounded argument, employing the technical terminology of the discipline in a precise and informed manner.

5) Learning skills
At a basic level, students are required to organize and independently re-elaborate the content studied, demonstrating a structured understanding of the topics addressed. At an advanced level, students are required to autonomously integrate the knowledge acquired with additional scientific sources, developing personal reflections that are well-founded and consistent with the main theoretical models.