2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PSYC3541 Face Perception
15 creditsClass Size: 70
Module manager: Dr Richard Harris
Email: r.j.harris@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
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)This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
The human face has such important biological and social functions that several regions of the brain are involved in processing information from faces. Indeed, we are expert perceivers of faces able to make sophisticated judgements about them - for example using subtle cues from head shape and skin texture when estimating age. A universally important locus of communication, our faces convey a range of social signals. We use faces to identify friends and acquaintances, to detect family resemblances, and to judge attractiveness on the basis of facial features. Complementary perspectives (usually cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience, but also including neuropsychological, evolutionary, biological, and computational approaches) will be used to explore these topics in detail, with a particular focus on applied issues, to show how the science of face perception can inform us about what happens when we look at faces.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:
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the theoretical developments in face perception
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the biological, social and evolutionary factors involved in face perception
- Demonstrate an understanding of the various methodologies used in understanding face perception and critically discuss how different disciplines can contribute to our understanding of face perception
- Critically discuss the application of face perception research to real world scenarios and the problems associated with how the research has been applied
- Communicate Face Perception theory and its relevance to society to a general audience
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, 7 x 1.5 hour group learning sessions, 2 x 1 hour tutorials on podcasting for a general audience. 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:
- What makes faces special? Is face processing innate? Is the brain specialised for face processing?
- Facial attractiveness
- How do we process facial expressions?
- How do we recognise faces?
- How do faces become familiar?
- Face perception and autism
- Judgements of social characteristics from faces
- Other race effect and Eye witness testimony
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Group learning | 7 | 1.50 | 10.50 |
Tutorial | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
Independent online learning hours | 4.50 | ||
Private study hours | 133.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 12.50 | ||
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. 75 hours
Preparation and completion of podcast: 50 hours
Completion of the podcast proposal: 8 hours
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students will be provided with formative feedback during the group teaching sessionsPodcast 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 |
Reflective log | Max 1,500 words | 60.00 |
Assignment | Podcast (max 20 minute duration). Students have to communicate 2 topics to a general audience | 40.00 |
Assignment | Podcast proposal | 0.00 |
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. 10% of the 40% weighting for the podcast will be peer assessment. Resit will take the same format.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 10/06/2022 16:50:05
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD