Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PSYC 330 D100

Attention (3)

Class Number: 3238

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Richard Wright
    rwright@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-5881
    Office: RCB 6322
    Office Hours: TBD

  • 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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.