The Psychology of Perception

Selectable PhD course in subject theory, 7.5 credits (Code: FHS0081).

Kursen ges på engelska, därför finns kursplanen endast tillgänglig på engelska.

The course syllabus below in PDF Pdf, 63 kB.

Course Syllabus

Goal

After completing the course the student will be able to:

• Define and describe fundamental issues identified in the philosophy and psychology of perception in humans and be able to describe current research and the state of knowledge in these areas.
• Describe potentials and limitations of alternative theoretical foundations in the psychology of perception, particularly the contrast between constructivist theory in its modern form and ecological perception theory, as well as the distinction of perception-action and perception-cognition.
• Describe the central theoretical perception psychological models and discuss how these have developed and modified in the light of research in recent years.
• Critically examine psychological research on the base of insights about the current state of knowledge.

Contents

This course provides an overview of theoretical approaches and research in the psychology of perception, including among others a quick introduction to controversial concepts in ecological theory, and mainstream perception theory. Specific topics addressed focus on visual perception and include perception of surfaces (color/brightness), motion perception, inanimate and animate object perception, perception of causality, and social perception. The emphasis is on traditional experimental psychological research in perception, and also on neurophysiological research. Lectures will be accompanied by literature seminars. Lectures will, if needed, be given in English.

Examination

A written home exam at the end of the course and active participation at the lectures/seminars (participation on at least 75 % of lectures is mandatory) to pass the course.

Literature

Theories of visual perception, 3rd edition, Ian E. Gordon
+ Original scientific work, mainly published scientific articles announced in conjunction with the start of the course.