Psychology 377

PSYC 377: Introduction to Sensation and Perception (NS Core)

Prerequisites: PSYC 121

Credit Hours: (3)

An introduction to the basic concepts and theories of sensory and perceptual psychology. Selected areas of application to everyday life will also be included.

Note(s): Fulfills one of the Natural Sciences core requirements for the psychology major and minor.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

1. Introduction
2. Psychophysics
3. The Orienting System
4. The Auditory System and Hearing Phenomena
5. Somesthesis: a. Kinesthesis and Cutaneous Sense:
6. Somesthesis: b. Temperature and Pain
7. The Chemical Sensory System: a. Taste
8. The Chemical Sensory System: b. Smell
9. The Visual System a: fundamental phenomena
10. The Visual System b: perception of color
11. The Visual System c. perception of form and shape
12. The Visual System d. other perceptual phenomena
13. The Development of Perception
14. Social Perception

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course may include formal lecture, demonstration, discussion, student presentations, and hands-on projects.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon completion of this course, students will:

l. be familiar with experimental research findings in sensation and perception
2. be able to understand the basic principles of sensation and perception
3. be able to identify principles that can be applied to perception as it occurs in everyday life

Assessment Measures

Graded assignments may include in-class tests, a final examination, pop quizzes, the assignment and presentation of exercise/labs and projects, and class preparation and participation topics in sensation and perception.

Other Course Information

This course satisfies one of the Natural Science core requirements for the psychology major and minor. Some films, and field observations will be required.

Review and Approval

September 2001 Updated and put in new format Alastair V.E. Harris