Students
PSYH4462 – Computational Modelling in Psychology
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Erik Reichle
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
PSYH490 or PSHY4490 or PSYH495 or PSYH4495 or PSYH4492
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
PSYM7762
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will provide an introduction to computational modelling in (cognitive) psychology. The main goals of this unit are to foster both a basic understanding of the different approaches to modelling and an appreciation of the practical and philosophical issues related to modelling. The first part of the unit will focus on the following questions: (1) What are computational models of cognition?; (2) What are the major approaches (e.g., production systems) that are used to model cognitive processes?; (3) How are models developed and used in research?; and (4) How are models compared and evaluated? The second part of the unit will examine these issues in more depth by comparing models that have been developed to account for phenomena in specific areas of cognitive research (e.g., episodic memory). The final part of the unit will consist of student-led discussions of seminal modelling papers from the students' areas of interest. Students will also complete a modelling project or write a critique/review of existing models within their area of interest. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Define and critically evaluate theories and models of human cognition, identifying the need for formal theories to understand cognitive processes.
- ULO2: Apply real-world examples to explain each of the different levels applicable to formal theories of cognition.
- ULO3: Demonstrate knowledge of the main assumptions, advantages and disadvantages of human cognition modelling.
- ULO4: Identify and critically compare the breadth and scope of formal models of human cognition relative to other models in similar domains.
- ULO5: Accurately summarize the core assumptions of formal models by writing a brief description of a model.
General Assessment Information
Assignment Submission: The assignment must be submitted online via iLearn/Turnitin. You should upload this as a single file. If there are technical obstructions to your submission online, please email your unit instructor.
Late submissions, without an approved extension, will receive a 5% per day penalty including weekends and public holidays. If you submit the assessment task 10 days or more beyond the due date, you will be awarded a maximum of 50% of the overall assessment marks. No further submissions will be accepted after the marked assignments are returned and feedback is released to students.
All extensions need to be formally requested via ask.mq.edu.au in line with the special consideration policy.
It is Psychology policy that letter grades, not numeric marks, are released for written assessment tasks.
Word count penalty: 5% of the possible mark will be deducted per 100 words over the word limit for the assessment task. An additional 99 words beyond the limit can be written without penalty.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model description essay | 25% | No | Week 5 |
| Alternative approaches to modelling essay | 25% | No | Week 9 |
| Model comparison essay | 50% | No | Week 13 |
Model description essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 25%
Students will submit a 500 word essay describing a computational model
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Define and critically evaluate theories and models of human cognition, identifying the need for formal theories to understand cognitive processes.
- Apply real-world examples to explain each of the different levels applicable to formal theories of cognition.
- Accurately summarize the core assumptions of formal models by writing a brief description of a model.
Alternative approaches to modelling essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 9
Weighting: 25%
Students will submit a 500 word essay summarizing the main differences between three alternative approaches to modelling
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Define and critically evaluate theories and models of human cognition, identifying the need for formal theories to understand cognitive processes.
- Apply real-world examples to explain each of the different levels applicable to formal theories of cognition.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the main assumptions, advantages and disadvantages of human cognition modelling.
- Accurately summarize the core assumptions of formal models by writing a brief description of a model.
Model comparison essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 50%
Students will submit an 1000 word essay comparing and contrasting 3 models of a particular research domain
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Define and critically evaluate theories and models of human cognition, identifying the need for formal theories to understand cognitive processes.
- Identify and critically compare the breadth and scope of formal models of human cognition relative to other models in similar domains.
- Accurately summarize the core assumptions of formal models by writing a brief description of a model.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
The lecture is scheduled to be held weekly on-campus. However, in line with Public Health guidelines, this approach will be revised if and when necessary due to the COVID pandemic, in alignment with University policy. Changes or updates will be communicated via iLearn and/or emails sent to student email accounts. Students should stay up to date with the latest University advice at the following website: https://www.mq.edu.au/about/coronavirus-faqs/information-for-students
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Grading
Macquarie University, and Psychology undergraduate courses, follow standards-based assessment of student performance. All individual assessment tasks are subject to moderation, consistent with the Assessment Policy and Procedure. A student’s final mark for this unit, and associated grade, must reflect their attainment of the unit learning outcomes, and isn’t necessarily a simple summation of their individual assessment items.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook