Bases of psychology for computing [IHDCM038]

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to illustrate and analyse the results of research in experimental psychology by contextualising empirical findings in a historical perspective and relating them to the corresponding theoretical framework. Students will be able to describe the main concepts of neurophysiology, from the principles governing the transmission of neuronal signals between neurons to the illustration of the neurophysiological bases of sensation, perception and cognition. Students will be able to make links between research in psychology, artificial intelligence and robotics, through an analysis of common theoretical perspectives and/or methodological approaches.

Objectives

This course aims to provide an introduction to the main areas of research in experimental psychology, from its foundation as an independent discipline in the nineteenth century to the analysis of the most recent findings characterising the post-cognitivist era. Empirical results are analysed from the point of view of the theoretical framework in which they were produced. The course also illustrates the basic concepts linked to the neurophysiological bases of behaviour and cognition.

Content

See "Table

Table of contents

Introduction to psychology

The brain and its organisation

The brain and its functions

Perception

Learning and conditioning

Memory

Thinking

Language

Awareness

Post-cognitivist paradigms in psychology

Exercises description

none