PSYC 326-01, Learning & Memory, Fall 2006

Abstract

Course Description This course will begin with an examination of behavioral theories of learning. Then, after a brief discussion of attention and perception, we will consider the role of mental representation in learning focusing on the formation and retrieval of memories. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week. Goals Gaining factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends). Learning to apply course material to improve thinking, problem-solving, and decisions. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view. Objectives: By the end of the semester, the student will be able to • Understand and apply the principles of classical conditioning, its importance to an understanding of learning, and the contributions to “real-world” teaching/learning activities. • Conduct typical classical conditioning experiments in a computer-simulated environment. • Understand and apply the principles of operant conditioning, its importance to an understanding of learning, and the contribution sot “real-world” teaching/learning activities. • Define basic terms: learning, associative learning, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, reinforcement, punishment, sensory memory, working memory, long-term memory, retrieval, and forgetting. • Clearly and articulately describe at least two models of memory and the ways the mind recalls, remembers, and/or retrieves information. • Participate in virtual experiments to simulate “classic” experiments in this field of study. • Explain the empirical evidence that we construct memories, the consequences of this evidence, and ways a person could improve his/her performance on memory tasks.