200211 VU Cognitive Psychology and Neurosciences (2023S)

Making students familiar with our research topics, main approaches, methods, and how "new" research questions can be found
Tentative schedule:
1. Introduction
2. Theories in Empirical Aesthetics – and current topics in the EVA-labs I
3. Current topics in the EVA-labs II
4. Session in which groups work on developing a study regarding an open issue in the various fields of empirical aesthetics
5. Group presentations & Discussions I
6. Group presentations & Discussions II
7. Introduction to Urban and Environmental Psychology
8. Pro-environmental Behaviour
9. Environment & Human Health
10. Connectedness to Nature
11. Data and Methods for Urban and Environmental Psychology
12. Feedback on 1. Report/Homework
13. Field practice – portable Pupilabs & Evaluations & Urban Green and Art interventions
14. General discussion - implictions
15. Final session

Students will learn about the topics and methods of two research groups, the Empirical Visual Aesthetics labs, with empirical and neuroaesthetics, and the Environmental Psychology Research group. If possible, practical introduction to state of the art measures, e.g. portable eye-movement measures will be given.

Participation in the sessions, max 2 times absent; Minimum for passing the class is grade 4 for the group presentation, 10 min with slides (and a hand-out 1 page, APA Style); and a homework (report, are each max. 1,000 words, plus references, 12p, APA norms, single space, and have to be handed in online (see Moodle for details for deadlines)

Students develop a research question in small groups in class, and give a group presentation in sessions 5 or 6; and they individually submit one written report (which are each max. 1,000 words, plus references, 12p, single space) details will be given during the course; attendance. Minimum for passing the class is grade 4 for the report and the presentation.
Literature and specific instructions will be provided for each assignment.