Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Memory and Learning
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Appointments should be requested by email.
Introduction
The subject of Memory and Learning seeks to provide to future psychologists with the knowledge they need about mechanisms that allow us to store perceived information in the memory and the different types of learning that allows us to consolidate knowledge. The understanding of the functioning of the memory and learning mechanisms allows allows the psychologist detecting and identifying disorders involving these mechanisms that have a psychopathological origin.
Pre-course requirements
Objectives
- To understand the fundamental mechanisms of memory and learning.
- To acquire terminology related to memory and learning processes.
- To know the existing models and theories about memory and learning.
- To learn the different psychopathological alterations of memory and learning.
- To become familiar with the experimental methodologies and procedures used for the scientific study of memory and learning.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CE13 - The ability to recognise the functions, characteristics, benefits and limitations of the various theoretical models and/or schools of psychological thought.
- CE14 - The ability to recognise the basis of normal and altered human behaviour.
- CE18 - The ability to identify the structures and processes involved in basic psychological functions and recognise the nature of individual differences.
- CE09 - The ability to identify the biological basis of the functions of Psychology and human behaviour, with an understanding of how they work and their influence on other aspects of a person.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Students will be expected to be able to:
- Describe the mechanisms of memory and learning.
- Use rigorously the terminology related to the processes of memory and learning.
- Identify the different theoretical approaches to memory and learning.
- Describe the structure of memory.
- List and define the different types of memory.
- Explain the phases of the mnesic process.
- Describe the factors that influence memory.
- Identify and describe the characteristics of different types of learning.
- Define the different methods of behaviour control.
- Know how to identify psychopathological alterations of memory and learning.
- Know the neuranatomical basis of memory and learning.
Syllabus
- Unit 1: Introduction to memory.
- Unit 2.1: Architecture of memory: sensory memories.
- Unit 2.2: Architecture of memory: short-term memory.
- Unit 2.3: Architecture of memory: long-term memory.
- Unit 3: Phases of the mnemonic process.
- Unit 4: Memory mistakes: Forget and false memories.
- Unit 5: Memory, emotions, stress and trauma.
- Unit 1: Introduction to the principles of learning and behavior.
- Unit 2: Non-associative learning: habituation and sensititazion.
- Unit 3: Associative learning: classical conditioning.
- Unit 4: Associative learning: instrumental conditioning.
- Unit 5: Social and cognitive learning.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
During the lectures the teacher presents the contents of the course to the students. The objective of the lectures is that the students become familiar with the basic theoretical concepts of the discipline and the terminology of the area. In addition, students will know the most relevant theoretical proposals and their criticisms which will provide them with a general overview of the current knowledge about the discipline. During the classes, the students will also become familiar with the techniques and experimental results that have led to support or reject the different theoretical approaches.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The final grade of the subject is calculated based on:
- Midterm exam: 35%
- Final exam: 30%
- PIR exam: 5%
- Group work: 10%
- Activities: 10%
- Participation: 10%
It is necessary to pass the midterm and final examans to pass the course.
The exams are test type and each question has four alternatives. Each correct answer equals one point, incorrect answers are 0.33 points (random level control) and omissions do not rest.
Bibliography and resources
Domjan, M. (2003). Principios básicos de aprendizaje y conducta. Madrid: Thomson.
Ruiz Vargas, J.M. (2010). Manual de psicología de la memoria. Madrid: Síntesis.