01230 - General Psychology I

Learning outcomes

The course intends to offer an analytic panorama of the actual knowledge in the field of general psychology and cognitive processes. Fundamental concepts will be introduced for being able to correctly appraise the history and the development of the fundamental concepts of cognitive sciences. Furthermore the students will study, during the course, basic methological aspects related to the study of the human behaviour.

Course contents

The course is designed to provide knowledge of the cognitive basis of human behaviour. Topics related to history, methods of research, memory, learning, thinking, attention and consciousness (mental activity during sleep).

The contents are the following schedule:

Historical introduction to scientific psychology: phenomenology, behaviorism, cognitivism, recent developments in neuroscience with particular reference to the mind-brain problem;

Methods in psychological research;

Cognitive processes: learning, memory, thinking, consciousness;

Specific aspects of behaviour: cognitive processes during sleep will be investigated within the study of states of consciousness.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

The course will take place during the first cycle of lectures (from September to December 2023)

Readings/Bibliography

Occhionero M. (a cura di). Introduzione alla Psicologia Generale. Carocci, 2018. Capitoli: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8

Ficca G., Fabbri M. (a cura di). Psicologia del sonno. Maggioli Editore, 2019. Capitoli 1, 4, 5, 6, 7

D'Urso V., Giusberti F. Esperimenti di Psicologia. Zanichelli, 2000. (Capp. 1,9,10,13,17,18)

The topics discussed during lectures will be evaluated in the exam even if they are not present in the texts.

The contents present in bibliography but not examined in detail during the course must be considered part of the exam program.

The slides of the lessons will be available in the online teaching materials (link to Virtual in the side menu on the right)

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures

Additional (non-mandatory) resources for preparation will be provided through supplementary materials uploaded to the Virtual platform. Indications for accessing these resources will be provided in class and on the Virtual platform

Assessment methods

Learning is verified through the final exam only, which ascertains the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills by carrying out a written test lasting 90 minutes without the help of notes or books.

The written test consists of 6 questions. Each question will be evaluated on a scale from 0 to 5 taking into account the arguments, originality, depth.

Specifically, each question will be assigned and evaluated as follows:

Score 5: excellent

Excellent skills of content, specific terminology, critical analysis of the topic

Score 4: Good

good analytical skills and sure command of specific terminology.

Score 3: sufficient

sufficient capacity for analysis, in-depth analysis and mastery of the topic and specific terminology.

Score 2: insufficient

insufficient and general inability to argue the contents

Score 0-1: Severely insufficient

The test is passed if the score acquired is at least 18 points. 30 cum laude are awarded to works that are particularly argued from a critical point of view with ideas of originality with respect to the topic addressed.

There are no ongoing tests and/or partial exams.

Registration for the tests will always take place via the Alma Esami application. Based on the number of registered students, students will be divided into shifts with time slots that the system will provide immediately following the order of registration.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

During the lectures, slides will be projected and discussed. The slides will be available to students on the University's web platform Virtuale (specific directions will be given during class and also made available by email).

Office hours

See the website of Miranda Occhionero