Spring 2018 - PSYC 330 D100

Attention (3)

Class Number: 8651

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2018
    Sat, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201 and 221.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Survey the different aspects of paying attention. Topics include the effects of selective and divided attention on perceptual and cognitive function; the role of attention in human performance; attentional dysfunction and attention-deficit disorder; and the development of attentional capacity across the life span from newborns to the elderly.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to one of the fastest growing and most fascinating areas in psychology. Attention, in simple terms, is our ability to focus or concentrate on some things while ignoring others. It can be divided between tasks, but not always successfully (e.g., driving a car while talking on a phone). And it can be directed to different places in our visual world, but also not always successfully (e.g., looking at but not “seeing” things that are right in front of you ... like that door you just walked into). Among the topics we will discuss are why attention is important for searching for things (e.g., when trying to do a "Where's Waldo?” puzzle). And why, as you become very well-practiced at tasks that require a lot of attention at first (e.g., playing a musical instrument or a sport), performance becomes automatic and no longer requires much attention at all. We will also discuss some intriguing cases of people who are no longer able to pay attention in a normal way because of diseases and brain injuries and disorders (e.g., ADHD). Many examples from everyday life are discussed to show why attention is an important part of how we perceive the world around us and remember things about it.

Grading

  • Other Assignments: 15%
  • Midterm Exam: 40%
  • Final Exam: 45%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None Required

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS