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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2013/2014
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences : Psychology

Undergraduate Course: Eye Movements and Visual Cognition (PSYL10096)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences CollegeCollege of Humanities and Social Science
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) Credits10
Home subject areaPsychology Other subject areaNone
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionThe aim of this course is to develop students' understanding of the role of eye movements in visual cognition. In lecture 1, the concept of visual attention is introduced; topics to be covered include the distinctions between exogenous versus endogenous attention, space- versus object-based attention, and covert versus overt attention. The remaining lectures build on the idea that, most of the time, attention is active and overt and that visual selection typically involves selection via eye movements. The course thus emphasizes the use of eye tracking to study visual attention and cognition. In lectures 2 to 5, the role of eye movements and attention in complex visual-cognitive tasks such as (1) reading, (2) scene perception, (3) dynamic image perception, and (4) real-world activity are discussed in depth. For each of these tasks, we will introduce and critically evaluate theoretical proposals made to explain the "Where" and "When" of eye fixations and attentional selection. Specifically, we will discuss factors influencing where and for how long we make fixations (fixation locations and durations), what we are able to process during a fixation, and how we determine where and when to fixate next within a sentence or a visual scene.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: Psychology Methodology 1 (PSYL10034) AND Psychology Methodology 2 (PSYL10035)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesDegree major in Psychology and passes in psychology courses at least to the equivalent of junior honours level in Edinburgh.
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will
(1) understand the core theoretical concepts of visual attention, key experimental paradigms, and main sources of evidence associated with these concepts;
(2) know the basic characteristics of eye movements;
(3) understand the relationship between eye movements and (overt) visual attention;
(4) have a good understanding of the field of eye-movement research, and in particular
(5) have some depth of knowledge in the areas of reading and scene perception;
(6) be able to critically evaluate existing theories and empirical evidence;
(7) be able to apply knowledge about eye movements and visual cognition in both written and oral form.
Assessment Information
Essay (3000 words) to be set by the Course Organiser.
Typically, suggested essay topics will require students to contrast and critically evaluate different theoretical or computational approaches on the issue in question. Students may also choose their own topic, subject to approval by the Course Organiser.

Visiting student variant assessment: 3000 word essay to be set by the Course Organiser and due Friday 4pm, week 13, semester 1.
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Antje Nuthmann
Tel: (0131 6)50 3459
Email: antje.nuthmann@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Fiona Graham
Tel: (0131 6)50 3440
Email: F.Graham@ed.ac.uk
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