Module manager: Ali Mair
Email: a.mair@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Successful completion of Level 1 of relevant programmes as listed above.
| PSYC1632 | Cognitive Psychology |
PSYC2553 Memory and Language
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The historical and epistemological background to cognitive research will be introduced, before moving on to explore advanced topics, methods and theory in contemporary cognitive psychology. In each case, both classic and cutting-edge theories and research methods will be critically considered, and links to neuropsychology highlighted. Key features of the module will be the exploration of how cognitive processes may be interrelated, and how the knowledge resulting from research could be applied to real world problems.
This module aims to:
• Provide an in-depth exploration of classic and recent theories and research in cognitive psychology.
• Promote understanding of how research findings relate to theories and models.
• Develop in students the ability to express critical evaluation of relevant research methods and theory.
• Reflect on the theoretical and practical implications of the issues covered, integrating information from across the field to present an holistic understanding of cognitive processes.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge across a range of topics within cognitive psychology
2. Demonstrate in-depth conceptual knowledge within individual differences, as it relates to cognitive psychology
3. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the practical application of cognitive psychology theory
By the end of the course, students should be able to evidence the following from the Leeds Skills matrix:
4. Critical thinking: The ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas.
5. Future thinking: Apply, with evidence, in-depth cognitive psychological theory to address real-world issues
6. Information Searching: Identify and synthesise relevant specialist information in cognitive psychology
Topics will include:
1. Long term memory
2. Working memory
3. Memory encoding and retrieval
4. Memory Failures
5. Autobiographical memory
6. The Self
7. Intelligence
8. Reality monitoring & belief
9. Consciousness
10. Attention
11. Face recognition
12. How we hear
13. Speech perception
14. Speech-in-noise
15. Challenges to speech perception
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| seminars | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Workshop sessions will support students to build on the skills introduced in the previous level of study, to facilitate them to be able to approach the coursework component of the module fully equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. These will involve small group tasks, with support from staff, then answers / ways to approach the task will be presented by staff, including examples and skills needed to succeed.
Additionally, students will be provided with sample exam questions to develop their knowledge and understanding of the topic areas and prepare students for the examination that forms part of the module assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Critical Review | 25 |
| Coursework | In-class group critical review tasks (formative) | 0 |
| In-course Assessment | In-class exam questions (formative) | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 25 | |
The aim of the coursework assignment is for the students to develop their skills in the critical evaluation of empirical research evidence. Students are required to summarise the target article and then use 2-3 up-to-date original research articles from their own literature searches, which have followed up the research question introduced in the target article. Note that students will be required to pass both the coursework and examination components of the module.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 75 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 75 | |
Students’ breadth of knowledge and evaluation of classic and recent work in cognitive psychology will be assessed by a 2-hour exam at the end of Semester 1, consisting of both multiple choice and short answer questions. Students are required to pass both the examination and coursework components of the module, by achieving a pass mark of 40% or more for the examination and a coursework mark of 40% or more.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 12/05/2026
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