COG, Module 3; Empirical Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience and Communication

The aim of the module is to introduce terminology and methods in contemporary experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience. During the course, we will discuss what makes a psychological theory a scientific theory, the logic of psychological experimentation, issues such as validity and generalizability, and the statistical methods used to help researchers make inferences from psychological and neuroscientific studies. To this end, the module will introduce the student to experimental key terms (e.g. independent vs. dependent variables, controlled variables, confounders), methodologies (e.g. response-time measurement, fMRI), and paradigmatic theories in contemporary psychology (e.g. dual process theories of reasoning and decision making). 
The course can be followed by anyone with an interest in understanding scientific psychology.