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PS4037: PERCEPTUAL PROCESSES (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

Interaction with the world around us involves perceptual processing using our three main senses: visual (seeing), auditory (hearing) and haptic (touch).  The aim of this course is to consider a range of approaches to human perception, from historical beginnings to recent innovative research.  

Topics covered include: colour perception; face recognition; perception of pain and age related changes in perception.  Students will also engage in guided debate with their peers regarding media portrayal of recent research findings.

This course is intended for students completing joint honours degrees in Behavioural Studies or Psychology. 

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Amelia Hunt

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

None.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Alternative Assessment

60% Essay

10% Tutorial

30% Multiple Choice Questions

Alternative Resit Assessment

100% Coursework

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the basics of psychophysics - a methodological approach that enables us to precisely and scrutinously examine the relations between our percepts and the physical world.
ConceptualUnderstandBecome introduced to motor control research, which will provide an insight into the importance of perceptually guided action in everyday life.
ConceptualAnalyseGain understanding of perceptual constancies, which enable us to experience an unchanging world in spite of change in environmental factors - specifically, colour and lightness constancy.
ConceptualEvaluateGain the ability to evaluate theories and understand their role in guiding research. The courses will focus on lightness perception and attention.
ConceptualApplyUnderstand the role of visual illusions in the study of perception
ConceptualUnderstandBecome acquainted with historical models of visual attention, a process which selects a subset of the vast information that is taken in by sensory organs for further processing.

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