Program Overview

Memory and Decision (PSYC0009)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Brain Sciences
• Teaching department: Division of Psychology and Language Sciences
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: This module is only open to BSc Psychology, MSci Psychology, Neuroscience and Affiliate students.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Content

The module provides honours level coverage of a core area of psychology - memory processes and decision making psychology. This module builds on the introductory overview provided in Term 1. It also gives the background that students need to undertake specialist third year options in this area.

Teaching Delivery

This module is taught via 20 1-hour lectures (usually in the format of a two-hour block each week for 10 weeks).

Indicative Topics

Indicative lecture topics based on module content in 2025/26, subject to possible changes:

• The 'Decision' part of the module covers topics such as: theories of decision making; heuristics and biases; group decision making; hazards and risk-taking behaviour, Game Theory, fairness and trust.
• The 'Memory' part of the module covers topics such as: working memory; long-term memory and amnesia; reconstructive memory; frontal lobes and memory; aging and dementia and how to manage memory problems.

Module Aims

This module aims to:

• Describe the theoretical approaches to, and empirical methods for, the investigation of human memory and decision making.
• Provide a foundational understanding of fundamental and classical studies, as well as understand some recent findings.
• Critically evaluate studies, concepts and theories within the decision making and memory literature.
• Develop essential essay writing skills.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

• Intended teaching term: Term 2
• Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 5)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment: 100% Exam
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 131
• Module leader: Professor Nigel Harvey

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.