About This Course

What are the best ways to learn and memorize new information? Why are several small groups of numbers easier to remember than one larger group of numbers (e.g., 421 7886 vs. 4217886)? How does the brain ‘remember’ information and what leads to forgetting? How do we solve problems (and fail to solve problems)? How can we improve our cognitive abilities and achieve our potential? By the end of this course you will have some answers to these questions and hopefully a greater understanding of your own mind. Over the duration of this course you will be exposed to the concepts, theories, and empirical work that defines the exciting field of Cognitive Psychology. There are several learning objectives or goals I hope we will achieve along the way (listed below). If you feel that you are not achieving these learning objectives during this course, please come talk to me, or one of the TAs, so we can help you get the most out of this course. I hope you will come away from this course with: • A general understanding of the major areas of research and key concepts in Cognitive Psychology and the theoretical debates that arise within them • The ability to apply evidence-based knowledge, critically assess the methods and conclusions of research, and present an argument in writing • Meet some other cognitive psychology researchers and participate in research • Relate Cognitive Psychology research to real life experience, perhaps impacting one’s own behaviour (e.g., optimize study strategies based on our understanding of attention, learning, and memory) • Gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your Cognition