Fall 2025 - PSYC 221 D100

Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (3)

Class Number: 3830

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Fri, 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 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the study of cognitive and perceptual processes. Topics include memory, perception, attention, language, mental imagery, creativity, judgment and decision-making, and an introduction to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, aphasia and attention-deficit disorder.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to and survey of different aspects of cognition.  Topics include memory, perception, attention, language, reading, problem solving, creativity, judgment and decision-making, and the effect of aging on cognitive processing.

Grading

  • ON-LINE Quizzes: 40%
  • Writing Assignments: 60%

NOTES:

1)  Lectures will be audio recorded (not video recorded) ... and select (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:

Chun, M. M. and Most, S. B. (2021). Cognition. Oxford University Press.
ISBN: 9780199950638

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.