The course aims to acquaint students with the basic principles of Cognitive Psychology, providing them with the conceptual tools necessary to tackle even more advanced courses in the curriculum at the academic level. In general, the student will be introduced to the scientific method, as the basic systematic approach common to all scientific disciplines, and to the basic mechanisms that guide human behavior throughout the life span, with particular attention to the field of aging. The student at the end of the course should know the main mechanisms of cognitive psychology as well as be able to understand and critically evaluate the various theories addressed and the discipline's own research methods in the field of longevity.
Course Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
The main teaching method will be face-to-face lessons that will also include extended discussion times on the theoretical and methodological aspects of main interest.
Assessment Methods
Learning will be tested through a written examination consisting of multiple-choice questions. The duration of the test is about 1 hour and the evaluation is done in thirtieths.
Texts
- De Beni e Borella (a cura di) Psicologia dell'invecchiamento e della longevità . Il Mulino (2024) - chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 15 - Online slides - Supplementary materials provided online by the professor.
Contents
During the course the student will be introduced to the methodological aspects associated with the study of cognitive psychology in the field of aging. The course further aims to deepen knowledge of the fundamental psychological and cognitive processes underlying behavior, including intelligence, memory, emotion, motivation, metacognition, social-cognitive functioning, and how these may be in normal aging. Specific intervention training aimed at enhancing these aspects will also be presented.
