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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Decision Processes in Human Cognition (G6084)

Decision Processes in Human Cognition

Module G6084

Module details for 2024/25.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 5

Module Outline

This module will demonstrate that we can think about human behaviour and cognition in terms of decision processes, and that that allows us to break down seemingly complicated psychological phenomena and explain them in terms of simple processes. The module will introduce students to topics in cognitive psychology (e.g. motivation), neuroscience and physiology (e.g. the reward system), and decision-making (e.g. value-based decision-making and behavioural economics). We will also cover important classes of computational models, and the scope and limits of those models in helping us understand human behaviour. Finally, we will critically compare decision-making in artificial (AI) and biological systems.

The module cover topics such as:
- Perceptual decision-making
- Value-based decision making and risk aversion
- Cognitive biases and heuristics, and behavioural economics
- Subjective evaluations such as emotion and awareness

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of fundamental human cognitive processes and the biological mechanisms underpinning them

Demonstrate understanding of key cognitive and computational models of human behaviour

Demonstrate understanding of how to express key examples of human behaviour as decision processes

Critically compare decision processes in artificial systems and in humans

TypeTimingWeighting
Computer Based ExamSemester 2 Assessment75.00%
Coursework25.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
TestT2 Week 7 (1 hour)100.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterLecture2 hours11111011111
Spring SemesterLaboratory2 hours00111000000
Spring SemesterSeminar1 hour11000111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Maxine Sherman

Assess convenor
/profiles/274680

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The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

School Office:
School of Engineering and Informatics, СÀ¶ÊÓƵ, Chichester 1 Room 002, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJ
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