Students will write a research paper in groups of 3 to 4, submitting one paper per group. A choice of themes that reflect the current research interests of supervisors will be provided. Students may suggest other themes within cognitive psychology, but this is dependent on approval from the course tutor and on availability of supervisors. Students will gain experience in research methodology by conducting either empirical work that may involve data collection and/or analysis, or theoretical literature-based research. The goal is to expose students to contemporary research in cognitive psychology and train skills in scientific authorship within a cognitive area. It is sometimes possible for students to work as a scientific assistant in lieu of writing a full paper, but such work can only give pass/fail course credit rather than a grade.

Knowledge

By the completion of the course the student will have knowledge of:

• The basic methodological design used in studies of cognition.

Skills

By the completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Evaluate the experimental design, method and conclusion in research articles which test cognitive theories.
• Conduct an empirical, theoretical or literature-based study, and write a paper in APA format, on a research question within cognitive psychology.

General Competence

By the completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Reflect on the importance of empirical evidence for theoretical positions within various areas of cognitive psychology.

Due to the limited number of spaces available and special entry requirements, admission to the course is limited.

Supervision in groups of 3-4 students.

Students are required to participate in a seminar where all groups will present their research papers as short conference presentations.

• One obligatory introductory meeting for the research projects.
• Term Paper Presentation Day - Participation during this student conference (one whole day or two half days) where students present and discuss their research projects.

The main text of research papers should be a maximum of 6000 words and conform to APA standards. Papers will be submitted electronically.

The grading system for the term paper will be grades A-F

Initial reading will be suggested by project supervisors.

Information Centre: tel. (+47) 55 58 27 10,

e-mail: exchange@psyfa.uib.no