INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE SCIENCE AND THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING

This course provides an introduction to the theoretical and methodological foundations of cognitive science and the psychology of learning. It equips students with conceptual tools for understanding the mental processes involved in the acquisition, processing, and use of information.
The course is part of the core foundational training of the programme and aims to develop a scientific understanding of cognitive processes and the mechanisms underlying human learning. Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective, it draws on insights from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, philosophy of mind, and cognitive science.Special attention is given to the analysis of major theoretical models of cognition and learning and to their interpretation in light of findings from contemporary empirical research.
The course also fosters the development of critical thinking and scientific literacy, encouraging students to examine and compare different theoretical perspectives and to interpret psychological phenomena related to learning processes from a scientifically informed standpoint.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired basic knowledge of the main theoretical models in cognitive science and the psychology of learning. They will understand fundamental cognitive processes—such as perception, attention, memory, language, and thinking—and recognize the role these processes play in the acquisition and processing of information.
Students will also be able to explain the main psychological models of learning and understand the relationships between cognitive processes, brain activity, and behaviour. In this context, the course will introduce the role of computational models and artificial intelligence as tools for studying and simulating cognitive processes.
Through the study of the main theoretical perspectives in cognitive science, students will develop the ability to apply key concepts from the course to the analysis of learning processes and to interpret cognitive and behavioural phenomena in light of the theoretical models discussed during the lectures.
By the end of the course, students will also have developed the ability to critically compare different theoretical perspectives within cognitive science and the psychology of learning, and to use the scientific terminology of cognitive psychology appropriately. They will also be able to further explore topics related to cognitive processes and learning independently, integrating knowledge from different areas of cognitive science.
Overall, the course aims to develop students’ ability to use theoretical concepts and models from cognitive science to analyse and critically interpret learning processes and related psychological phenomena, also in light of recent applications of artificial intelligence in the study of the mind and cognition

No prerequisites are required other than a good ability to broaden one's perspective and a predisposition to interdisciplinary approaches.

The course introduces the theoretical and methodological foundations of cognitive science and the psychology of learning, with particular attention to the main models describing the functioning of the mind and cognitive processes. The first part of the course presents the origins and development of cognitive science, highlighting the contributions of the different disciplines that shape the field, including cognitive psychology, neuroscience, philosophy of mind, and artificial intelligence. Subsequently, the course examines the main cognitive processes involved in information acquisition and processing, including perception, attention, memory, language, and thinking. A section of the course is devoted to the main theoretical models of learning, with particular reference to behaviourist, cognitive, and socio-cognitive perspectives.
Finally, the course discusses the role of computational models and artificial intelligence in the study of cognitive processes, with particular attention to the relationship between computational simulation, knowledge representation, and the scientific understanding of the human mind.

Jacomuzzi A., Introduzione alle scienze cognitive, Bologna, Il Mulino 2023.
Legrenzi P, Jacomuzzi A., Si fa presto a dire psicologia, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2021.

Student learning will be assessed through an oral examination aimed at evaluating knowledge of the main theoretical contents of the course and the ability to understand and critically discuss its key concepts.
During the examination, students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the main models in cognitive science and the psychology of learning, use appropriate scientific terminology, and establish connections among the cognitive processes discussed during the course.
Assessment will also take into account the student’s ability to interpret cognitive phenomena and learning processes in light of the theoretical models presented during the lectures.

The grades will be assigned based on the following criteria:

A. Scores in the range of 18-22 will be assigned for:
- Sufficient knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Limited ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Sufficient communication skills.

B. Scores in the range of 23-26 will be assigned for:
- Fair knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Fair ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Fair communication skills.

C. Scores in the range of 27-30 will be assigned for:
- Good or excellent knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Good or excellent ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Fully appropriate communication skills.

D. The “laude” will be awarded to students with excellent knowledge and comprehension of the textbooks and related topics.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

As regards the grading scale (the method by which grades will be assigned), regardless of attendance status (attending or non-attending students):

A. Scores in the 18–22 range will be awarded in the presence of:

Sufficient knowledge and applied understanding of the course content;
Limited ability to collect and/or interpret data and formulate independent judgments;
Sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the economic functioning of public services.
B. Scores in the 23–26 range will be awarded in the presence of:

Fair knowledge and applied understanding of the course content;
Fair ability to collect and/or interpret data and formulate independent judgments;
Fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the economic functioning of public services.
C. Scores in the 27–30 range will be awarded in the presence of:

Good to excellent knowledge and applied understanding of the course content;
Good to excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data and formulate independent judgments;
Fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the economic functioning of public services.
D. Honors (cum laude) will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and applied understanding of the course content, judgment skills, and communication abilities.

The course combines lectures with seminar-style sessions. Lectures are primarily aimed at introducing and discussing the main theoretical models in cognitive science and the psychology of learning.
Alongside the introductory lectures, some classes will take the form of seminar discussions focusing on specific topics. In these sessions, selected materials (such as articles, book chapters, or other scientific contributions) will be discussed. These materials will be made available to students in advance in order to encourage active participation and a deeper understanding of the theoretical concepts addressed in the course.
Throughout the course, examples from contemporary psychological and cognitive research will also be presented in order to connect theoretical models with observable cognitive phenomena.
Particular attention will be devoted to the critical discussion of major theoretical perspectives and to the implications of cognitive models for understanding learning processes. Some topics will also be addressed in relation to computational models and the development of artificial intelligence.
Additional learning materials and bibliographic references will be made available through the university’s e-learning platform.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development