BSc Psychology

This unit explores research on human perception and how that research is useful in our everyday lives. We will address how lab-based research helps us to better understand our perceptual experiences and those of clinical populations as well as how this can lead to novel treatments/therapies. We will also look at how such research informs the development of new technologies and will enhance the future of media and entertainment.

The unit focuses primarily on two aspects of perception: time and vision. We explore how research carried out in these areas has advanced our understanding of human perception and can lead to important impact in the real world.  

Example questions to be explored:

• Why does time move slowly when you are waiting for something to happen?
• How do businesses reduce the customers’ perceived queuing time?
• Why does time seem to slow down in a car crash or other frightening event?
• How does perception research relate to the creation of novel, thrilling gaming experiences?
• How do the experiences of patients with schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease or  individuals with autism relate to research on visual perception?
• How can Virtual Reality help patients with neurological conditions?
• How does research on visual motion and 3D perception inform the design of future autonomous vehicles?  

The course is an optional Final Year unit for the BSc (Hons) Psychology. 

This unit aims to:

• Extend students’ knowledge of key concepts, theories and methodologies that have shaped current understanding of human perception
• Enhance students understanding of how research on human perception can lead to important impact in the real world
• Enhance students’ ability to critically evaluate research, theories and methods.  

In weeks 1-11 (excluding reading week) there will be a two-hour lecture. In addition, in weeks 1-4 there will be a one-hour seminar and a one-hour reading group in preparation for the mid-semester coursework assessment.  In weeks 5-11 (excluding reading week) there will be a 90-minute seminar in preparation for the exam. All sessions take place in-person.  

Weekly lectures will each cover a different topic in perception, highlighting how lab-based research has led to a deeper understanding of our perception of the world and how this knowledge can be applied.  

Weekly seminars will provide an opportunity to take part in small-group discussions on issues raised in the week’s lecture and to prepare for the assessment.  

Reading groups will provide an opportunity for students to discuss primary articles that provide intriguing empirical evidence supporting and / or expanding on work discussed in the lecture.    

Feedback will be provided on the mid-semester coursework essay. Rubric feedback will be provided on the exam. Active self-feedback will be used in the seminars.  

Active modes of learning will be encouraged throughout the module, drawing mainly on small group discussion where students can work together to enhance their understanding.

• Explain the importance of modern perceptual science in the real world
• Explain and evaluate key research studies and current theories of perception.  

• Appraise the validity of arguments and evidence
• Explain and evaluate different research approaches and methodologies relevant to the study of perception 

• Interpret graphs of empirical data, including psychometric functions 

• Communicate ideas and arguments clearly and coherently
• Synthesise material from various sources, including library and electronic sources

See Assessment Methods

Lecture notes and some appropriate additional resources will be available on Canvas.  A specific reading list for each lecture will be provided