Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - PSYC 330 D100

Attention (3)

Class Number: 6076

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.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 a survey of different aspects of how we pay attention.  Topics include selective and divided attention; limitations of multitasking; looking but not "seeing"; deliberate practice and the development of expert performance; spatial attention and visual search; physiology of the brain's attentional networks; and attention deficits and disorders.

Grading

  • ON-LINE Quizzes: 40%
  • Take-Home Exams: 60%

NOTES:

1)  Lectures will be audio recorded (not video recorded) ... and some (but not all) lecture slides will be available on the course Canvas website

2)  Take-home exams will include some questions about material not covered in lectures or reading ... i.e., questions that require on-line research and independent thought

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for this course.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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