- Docente: Elena Gherri
- Credits: 6
- SSD: M-PSI/01
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Semiotics (cod. 8886)
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to understand the complex relationship between the psychological science and society and to consider both how science can shape society but also how society can impact the direction of science. The student will be able to understand how psychological scientific knowledge is constructed, with specific emphasis on the different phases/stages of the scientific process. Students will be able to critically evaluate the different ways in which institutional interests influence science and shape media reports.
Course contents
In recent years, researchers have started to bridge the gap between science and society by sharing their findings with the broader public. Transferring knowledge to society brings important opportunities but also specific challenges as society shapes the direction of science. This course will cover how research is undertaken and how research outcomes are then transferred to the different stake-holders in society. By analysing specific examples from the field of cognition we will consider how knowledge can address key questions concerning our society, but also how the existing process has contributed to create relevant anomalies in the field such as the replication crisis.
Readings/Bibliography
The relevant course material will be shared with students during the course of the teaching period. The course content is based primarily on scientific papers and articles. Students will be asked to read these in advance and to discuss these in class.
Teaching methods
The course will be delivered through a mixture of structured lectures and small group teaching involving focused discussions on key topics.
Assessment methods
Students will write an essay (1500 words limit) on a title selected from 3-4 alternatives.
Teaching tools
Lectures material will be shared with students together with the scientific papers and articles that will be considered in class.
Office hours
See the website of Elena Gherri