Learning objectives
The course has two main goals: 1) a detailed study of methods and tools in psychophysiological research; 2) the use of psychophysiological techniques for the study of mechanisms underlying cognitive and emotional processes
Prerequisites
Basics of anatomo-physiology of the central and autonomic nervous system; basics of General Psychology; basics of methodology of research in Psychology.
Course unit content
The psychophysiological research: background and definitions.
. Recording and processing of the EEG signal: evoked potentials (ERPs) and brain oscillations (ERD, ERS)
. How to use ERPs in cognitive sciences (e.g., perception, attention, face processing, language, decision-making)
. Psychophysiology of orienting
. Psychophysiology of emotion: Theories and methods
. Psychophysiological indices of emotional response: Relationships between subjective, behavioral and physiological responses
. The startle reflex and emotion
. The psychophysiological approach to the study of the relationship between cognitive processes (attention and memory) and emotion
. Clinical psychophysiology: limitations and advantages
Full programme
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Bibliography
Pennisi, P., Sarlo M., Indici Elettrofisiologici in Psicologia. Padova: CLEUP Editrice, 1998.
Teaching methods
The course includes theoretical lessons, discussion of scientific articles, film projections and practical experiences of biosignal recordings in a laboratory context.
Assessment methods and criteria
oral exam
Other information
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