PSY3034 : Perception
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Gabriele Jordan
- Lecturer: Dr Quoc Vuong, Professor Anya Hurlbert, Professor Christopher Petkov, Dr Yoav Tadmor, Professor Jenny Read
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
The module will provide insights into both lower- and higher-level aspects of perceptions across different domains (visual, auditory, gustatory and olfactory). Apart from gaining knowledge of perceptual systems, students will be encouraged to think about possible everyday applications of the various topics (why is it important, who does it benefit) and develop an awareness of the pros and cons of a variety of experimental measures. Ultimately, students should be able to evaluate key readings and get a better foundation for undertaking related projects in their final year if they so wish.
Outline Of Syllabus
Perceptions permit us to obtain knowledge of our environment by processing the sensory input (e.g. light, sounds) and working out the most likely interpretation of the state of the world. Perceptions across any domain seem to be remarkably effortless and instantaneous, but the underlying steps required to succeed are diverse and complex and require the student to think about aspects of physics (the stimulus), the neural substrates (brain), as well as psychology.
The module will take the student from lower-level, more elementary aspects of perceptions (such as colour, depth, space, or sound) to higher-level perception of objects, faces, scenes, or voices.
Students will be made aware of the progression from classical, seminal studies to modern developments taught by researchers who can be considered as at the forefront of their respective fields.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Non-synchronous online pre-recorded material provided in 20 minute sections |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Formative practice using Canvas |
Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 64 | 1:00 | 64:00 | General reading and revision |
Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Non-synchronous online: Set learning based activities |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Synchronous online weekly sessions to discuss pre-recorded lecture materials |
Total | 100:00 |
Jointly Taught With
Code | Title |
---|---|
PSY2002 | Perception |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lecture materials are used as the most effective mode of imparting the core knowledge of the module. Related drop-in sessions provide students with the opportunity to acquire more in-depth knowledge and improve understanding. Private study is essential for in-depth review of knowledge imparted through lecture materials and to integrate materials across topics.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 100 | Unseen, online, 24 hour open-book exam: 1 essay (1000 words) out of a choice of 3 questions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay questions will assess the students’ knowledge of the course in more depth. They will have to answer questions in detail demonstrating their understanding of the current developments in the field and be able to reflect on the topics’ importance for the field itself and their everyday context.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY3034's Timetable