PSY2204 PERCEPTUAL PROCESSES

Course Code:2332204
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:7.0
Department:Psychology
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:
Offered Semester:Fall and Spring Semesters.

Course Objectives

This course aims to provide students with

  • an understanding of the higher-level processes in the brain,
  • bottom-up perceptual processes: basic knowledge of how our sensory systems transduce environmental energies to electrical and chemical signals that can be processed in the brain,
  • top-down perceptual processes: theories governing the effect of prior knowledge on perception,
  • current and traditional applications of experimental research methods that are being used to measure perception.

Course Content

This course aims to introduce students with higher level processes in the brain related to perception. This course provides a broad survey of experimental approaches to understand perceptual processes both in humans and with animal models. The core concepts such as face perception, speech processing, cutaneous and chemical senses, and development of perception will be covered.


Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will gain

  • theoretical understanding of major mechanisms that govern perceptual systems
  • an understanding of scientific methods to measure perception.

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Solid background in basic theories and approaches in psychology.
2Skills to obtain and interpret new information in the light of acquired theoretical knowledge.
3Skills to follow both national and international publications and developments in the discipline.
4Basic applied skills and knowledge of the various disciplines of psychology that do not require specialization.
5Awareness of the value of continuing educational practices such as in-service training, seminars, and conferences to keep career-relevant knowledge and skills up-to-date.
6Skills to conduct research based on basic knowledge related to testing and measurement, research methods, and statistics. That is, skills related to forming research hypotheses, designing the research, collecting data, applying basic statistical analysis, and reporting.
7Knowledge and skills about conducting research and practice by adhering to ethical guidelines.
8Skills in oral and written communication both in Turkish and English.
9Skills to work in teams that involve disciplinary and interdisciplinary projects.
10Critical thinking skills in following the psychological literature together with the psychology-related information appearing in popular media.
11Skills to generate practical and culture-sensitive solutions to problems.
12Awareness of societal, environmental, and economic factors in professional practice and research.
13Skills to lead and pioneer in the profession of psychology, either in academia or professional practice.
14Skills in independent and team work.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution