PSY321 COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Course Code:2330321
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:7.5
Department:Psychology
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

In this course, we will examine how infants acquire knowledge about the world form a developmental perspective. First, we will examine the main developmental theories on cognitive development. Later, we will focus on five major topics in cognitive development (attention, memory, language, spatial cognition, conceptual development). While covering these topics, we will examine methods related to each topic as well as the brain-behavior relationship.


Course Content

Review of basic cognitive mechanisms, characteristics of the information processing system and especially its development with particular emphasis upon knowledge structures and mental strategies. The course will provide a general introduction to current research and theories on symbolic capacity and the processes of its development.


Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of these course students will comprehend the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings related to cognitive development.


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