PSYC 3350 LECTURE 1

TL;DR

Professor introduces cognitive psychology course, emphasizing observation and analysis skills.

Transcript

hello Houston my name is Rick cashaw I'm a professor of psychology at the University of Houston which is where we're producing this course for you and we'll hope to work with you through the semester to put together what I think is going to be a pretty interesting course cognitive Psych is very hard to teach poorly because t... Read More

Key Insights

• The course focuses on cognitive psychology, emphasizing observation and analysis of behavior using subtle cues and language.
• Students are encouraged to make predictions about the instructor's characteristics based solely on auditory cues to enhance observational skills.
• The instructor highlights the importance of understanding cognitive processes like memory, language, problem-solving, and reasoning.
• The course aims to teach students how to observe and analyze their own and others' behaviors using cognitive psychology principles.
• The instructor discusses the importance of mastering content and developing practical applications of cognitive psychology in daily life.
• The course utilizes various teaching methods, including online and television presentations, to facilitate learning.
• Students are encouraged to engage with the course material actively, ask questions, and utilize provided resources for better understanding.
• The instructor emphasizes the importance of distributed practice over mass practice for effective learning and retention.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main objectives of the cognitive psychology course?

The main objectives of the cognitive psychology course include teaching students to observe and analyze behavior using cognitive psychology principles, understanding cognitive processes such as memory, language, problem-solving, and reasoning, and developing practical applications of cognitive psychology in daily life. The course also aims to enhance students' observational skills through various exercises and predictions.

Q: How does the instructor suggest students improve their observational skills?

The instructor suggests improving observational skills by making predictions about the instructor's characteristics based solely on auditory cues. This exercise encourages students to focus on subtle cues and language, enhancing their ability to observe and analyze behavior. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of communication and behavior in cognitive psychology.

Q: What teaching methods are used in the course?

The course utilizes a combination of online and television presentations to facilitate learning. This approach allows students to engage with the material at their own pace and provides flexibility in scheduling. The instructor also uses visual aids like PowerPoint and encourages active participation and interaction with the course content through questions and discussions.

Q: Why is distributed practice recommended over mass practice?

Distributed practice is recommended over mass practice because it enhances learning and retention by allowing students to engage with the material in shorter, more focused sessions. This approach prevents fatigue and maintains motivation, leading to more effective mastery of the content. The instructor emphasizes that repeated exposure to the material over time aids in long-term memory retention.

Q: What resources are available to students in the course?

Students have access to various resources, including the course textbook by Margaret Matlin, additional recommended readings, and online materials such as the CogLab online version. The instructor also provides guidance on effective note-taking and study techniques, encouraging students to actively engage with the material and seek help from teaching assistants or peers when needed.

Q: How does the course address the challenges of large class sizes?

The course addresses the challenges of large class sizes by utilizing online and television formats, which allow for broader reach and flexibility. The instructor emphasizes the importance of using the assigned textbook and encourages students to collaborate with peers for clarification and support. Teaching assistants are available to help answer questions and provide additional guidance.

Q: What study techniques are recommended for success in the course?

Recommended study techniques include the SQ3R method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review), effective note-taking strategies, and time management practices. The instructor advises students to create a study schedule, focus on understanding key concepts rather than memorizing text, and engage in active learning by reciting and reviewing material regularly to reinforce understanding.

Q: What are the course goals related to student behavior and cognitive processes?

The course goals related to student behavior and cognitive processes include developing an understanding of the lawfulness of human cognitive behavior, enhancing observational and analytical skills, and applying cognitive psychology principles to everyday situations. The instructor aims to demonstrate how cognitive processes like language and memory influence behavior and decision-making, providing students with practical skills for real-world applications.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Professor Rick Cashaw introduces a cognitive psychology course at the University of Houston, focusing on observation and analysis of behavior using subtle cues and language. Students are encouraged to make predictions about the instructor's characteristics based solely on auditory cues to enhance observational skills.

• The course covers various cognitive processes such as memory, language, problem-solving, and reasoning. The instructor aims to teach students how to observe and analyze their own and others' behaviors using cognitive psychology principles, emphasizing the importance of mastering content and developing practical applications in daily life.

• The course utilizes online and television presentations to facilitate learning, encouraging students to engage actively, ask questions, and utilize provided resources. The instructor highlights the importance of distributed practice over mass practice for effective learning and retention, aiming to make complex concepts easily digestible.