2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PSYC3553 The Psychology of Faces

15 creditsClass Size: 85

Module manager: Dr Richard Harris
Email: r.j.harris@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of all pass for progression modules in Level 2 of: BSc Psychology or MPsyc, BSc Advanced Psychology or BA Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Thought (and its International and Industrial variants)

Module replaces

PSYC3541

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Humans are expert perceivers of faces. We are able to make sophisticated judgments about faces; for example, who someone is, how they are feeling, how old they are, and whether they can be trusted. We make these judgments so effortlessly that we take for granted how complex the task of face perception actually is. Ultimately, all faces have the same basic structure - two eyes above a nose, which is above a mouth, and so we have to use very subtle cues from a face to make these judgments.In this module we will explore topics such as how we recognise a face and facial expressions. We will ask questions that are important in society; for example, what underlies facial attractiveness, how accurate we are at recognising criminals, and can automatic face recognition technology be trusted? We will also consider whether face perception research is inclusive and diverse, and what implications this has for our understanding of face perception. We will consider research from different perspectives; for example, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology.

Objectives

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the application of experimental psychology to an area of high intrinsic interest and practical relevance, face perception. Students will gain insight into the factors affecting the application of experimental evidence and laboratory techniques to the understanding of face perception. Students will see how data, techniques, and theory drawn from different disciplines (psychology, neurology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, computer science) can converge to enhance our understanding of face processing.

Learning outcomes
After completing this module students are expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the theories and research relevant to the field of face perception;
2. Critically evaluate face perception research and theories, demonstrating an appreciation of the different theoretical perspectives within face perception research;
3. Critically discuss the application of face perception research to real world scenarios;
4. Communicate Face Perception theory and its relevance to society to a general audience;
5. Critically discuss the problems with face perception research, including issues of diversity and inclusivity within the research field.

Skills outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to select, critically evaluate and apply published research in the field of face perception. They will become knowledgeable in how complementary approaches can be used to understand how faces are perceived.

Syllabus

The module will include 9 x 30 min lectures and 8 x 1.5 hour group learning sessions. Group discussion seminars will make use of the University's new collaborative teaching spaces to facilitate group discussion.

The module will cover the following topics:
- How do we recognise faces?
- Disorders of face perception
- Facial expressions
- Eye witness testimony
- The other race effect
- Facial attractiveness
- Trait attribution
- Facial recognition technology
- Is face perception research inclusive?

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Drop-in Session	2	1.00	2.00
Group learning	8	1.50	12.00
Lecture	1	1.00	1.00
Independent online learning hours			4.50
Private study hours			130.50
Total Contact hours			15.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Independent online learning: 9 x 30 minute pre-recorded lectures.
Private study:
Preparation and completion of reflective log. 72 hours
Preparation and completion of podcast: 50.5 hours
Completion of the podcast proposal: 8 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be provided with formative feedback during the group teaching sessions
Podcast proposal – students will submit a podcast proposal which outlines what will be discussed in the podcast.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Critical Evaluation (2000 words)	50.00
Assignment	Podcast (max. 20-minute duration)	40.00
Assignment	Podcast Proposal	0.00
Self/Peer Assessment	Peer Assessment	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

For the coursework podcast students will be required to create a podcast. As this will be a novel task, students will be given examples of good science podcasts and this coursework will be further supported with two tutorials where the challenges of communicating scientific findings to general audience will be discussed. Resits will take the same format.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 17/05/2023

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