B2983 - Cognitive Enhancement Techniques

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students: - know the theoretical and methodological aspects associated with interventions for cognitive enhancement; - know the main procedures for enhancing basic processes of cognition; - plan and evaluate the effectiveness of appropriate cognitive enhancement interventions over the life span, both individual and group, in different contexts (e.g. clinical, educational).

Course contents

Knowledge of basic concepts of General Psychology are required.

Students will be introduced to the critical theoretical and methodological aspects to be considered at the clinical and experimental level. The second part of the course will focus on training procedures to enhance basic cognitive processes (working memory, executive functions) throughout life (in children, youth, and elderly). Finally, new perspectives in the field of cognitive enhancement will also be presented.

Examples of cognitive enhancement programs will be addressed and discussed.

Readings/Bibliography

• Slides of the lessons
• Borella E., Carretti B., Migliorare le nostre abilità mentali. Programmi di potenziamento cognitivo nell’arco di vita. Bologna: Il Mulino, 2020.
• Articles indicated by the teacher during the course

Teaching methods

In-class lessons with the support of powerpoint slides

In-class activities led by the teacher. In this way, students will have the opportunity to implement and operationalize the theoretical skills learned

Assessment methods

The exam consists of 5 open questions (scored on 0-6 scale). Time available: 60 minutes.

The final score will be given by the sum of the evaluations to each question. If the students’ answers show reflection and critical elaboration of the content, the score equal to thirty will be awarded with “Lode”.

For international students, there will be the possibility to take the exam in English. These students will have to contact via email the teacher three weeks (at least) before the exam.

Students with learning disabilities (LD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the relevant University office promptly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). They will be responsible for suggesting any accommodations to the students concerned. However, these accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval 15 days in advance, who will evaluate their suitability, also taking into account the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Slides and practical exercises.

Office hours

See the website of Serena Mastria