Teaching
The following courses are offered in WS 23/24:
720416 - Lecture Developmental psychology I
The focus of this lecture is on the first half of development across the lifespan (the second half will be covered in Developmental Psychology II). Topics covered in this lecture include biological and brain development as well as cognitive, emotional and social development to adulthood.
Students will be familiarised with the prevalent methods, theoretical models and current scientific insights in developmental psychology. The lecture will be in German.
720260 - SE Seminar to special problems in basic psychological research: Presentation exercises and literature work in ageing neuroscience research
We will familiarize ourselves with current research methods and paradigms that attempt to isolate or seaprate different influences on gender specific development (genes, Hormones, cognition, socialisation, etc.). We will get to know which cognitive or emotional functions likely differ systematically between genders and why it can be difficult to determine the gender-specificity of cogntiive and emotional functions with certainty. In working through and presenting relevant scientific literature repeatedly, we will also hone our presentation skills.
Getting to know the challenges and caveats in trying to determine how gender differences in cognition and emotion develop. Getting to know current findings and theories on biological and cultural influcences in gender-specific development. Practising presentations techniques.
The lecture will be in German.
720470 - SE Seminar on basic- and practice deepening: Presentation exercises and literature work in ageing neuroscience research
We all know that cognitive abilities change over the lifespan, which typically increase towards adulthood and decline in ageing. However, another well known phenomenon in ageing is that there are large interindividual differences in cognitive abilities with some older adults - so called 'super agers' - maintaining a cognitive level typical for 20 year olds. We try to understand which factors in the brain and in lifestyle might be crucial for allowing people to be 'super agers', and how we might strive to become super agers ourselves. In working through and presenting relevant scientific literature repeatedly, we will also hone our presentation skills.
We try to find out what it is that makes some older adults become 'super agers', that is, not losing their cognitive abilites even in old age. Practising presentations techniques.
720513 - SE Research Seminar I
We will study cognitive and physiological measures (most importantly those can be acquired with so-called ‚eyetracking cameras’, so eye movements and pupil dilations). Together we will try to understand what these measures can tell us about physiological processes in the brain, as well as emotional and cognitive functions. We will also try to identify useful applications for these measures in clinical contexts.
Research projects will be given (in coordination with individual students).
Getting to know current research findings and analysis methods for cognitive tests and eyetracking data (i.e. pupil dilation data and eye movement data). Insights into useful applications of these methods in cognitive and clinical contexts. Preparation of study designs and written thesis.
The seminar will be in German.