PSY4321 – Basic foundations of research methods in cognitive neuroscience
Course content
The course provides you with an overview of research methods in cognitive neuroscience, including, but not limited to, experimental designs, cognitive tests, neuroimaging, EEG, genetics, and neuromodulation. The course focuses on theoretical principles and areas of use, explaining how knowledge about brain-behavior-relationships is derived from various methods, and how this relates to theory development within the field. The course prepares you for the use of research methods by providing a theoretical base from which to develop practical skills in the methods courses that follow.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
You will learn:
- The biological and physical principles behind cognitive neuroscience methods such as EEG and MRI
- Historical developments of research methods within cognitive neuroscience
- What kind of research questions can be answered using different methods within cognitive neuroscience
- Strengths and limitations of different methods
- The relationship between methods use and theory development
- What skills are needed to perform data collection and analysis within different neuroscientific methods
- Open science practices and ethical considerations
Skills
You will be able to:
- Read and understand the methods and results sections of research papers within cognitive neuroscience?
- Choose an appropriate research method (or set of methods) for a given research question
- Identify limitations in drawing conclusions from data derived from various research methods
- Describe how neuroscientists have arrived at a scientific conclusion based on the methods used
- Outline the basic planning, design and analysis steps needed for conducting an EEG and MRI study
General competence
You will
- Have an overview of research methods and how they relate to theory development in cognitive neuroscience
- Be comfortable reading research papers within cognitive neuroscience?
- Be prepared for the next stages of learning research methods in cognitive neuroscience?
- Adopt a philosophy of science perspective on cognitive neuroscience
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.?
Recommended previous knowledge
Bachelor in psychology with focus on cognitive neuroscience
Teaching
You will learn through lectures and seminars, both with theoretical presentations and practical examples from ongoing projects at the section for cognitive psychology, neuroscience and neuropsychology.?
Examination
4 hour written exam.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on an A-F scale. Read more about?the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.