Cognitive Psychology: How the Brain Works
Think of the brain as your mental hardware. It processes daily inputs such as language, behavior, memory, problem solving and decision making. In this course, you will learn about cognitive psychology, from its origins in philosophy to its current role in robotics. You’ll study the various regions of the brain and how each affects different functions, such as speech, perception, attention, facial recognition and more. Delve into research that shows the influence of positive thinking on how tasks are performed. Draw a brain diagram showing which areas are most important for memory and decision making. Today, a background in cognitive psychology is in high demand in fields such as health care, law and education. If you seek a future in any of these areas, this course is for you.
Program Dates
Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Fees
$1495
Understanding the Workings of the Brain
Explore the Foundations of Cognitive Psychology
Learn to identify the origins of cognitive psychology and gain insight into the current state of the science — what we know now — and some mysteries that remain.
Recognize the Differences Between Perception, Recognition and Attention
Study the visual system and how the brain translates information through perception, recognition and attention. Discover how our focus of attention impacts emotions and behavior.
Understand the Systems that Process Memory
Review traditional constructs of memory, including short-term and long-term. Study how memory loss evolves and how inaccuracies are produced, even of our own experiences.
How Information is Turned into Knowledge
Consider how the brain organizes information and converts it to knowledge, language and visual imagery.
Explore the Frontal Lobe and its Role in Thinking
You will look at the functions of decision making, problem solving, empathy and reasoning as key actions that stem from the frontal lobe.
Complete a Final Project: Map the Human Brain
Create a brain map that reflects a relevant decision-making circumstance, such as the process around which sport to play, summer job to take or school to attend.
How You Will Benefit
- Understand human cognition and the relationship between mind and brain.
- Know the history of cognitive psychology.
- Define distinct systems of the brain and the processes of human cognition.
- Know how the brain uses memory and its connection to attention.
- Identify the functions of the frontal lobe, like emotions and reasoning.
- Complete a Final Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from William & Mary.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Project
Create a human brain map; a pictorial presentation that demonstrates how the brain processes decision making. Use a personal experience such as how you chose which sport to play, which summer job to take or school to attend.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies.
- Brainstorming and ideation to help you prepare for your Final Project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lectures. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
All course options have the same educational content, learning materials and number of assignments. We are offering a condensed version of the course in order to accommodate students’ individual schedules.
Hear from William & Mary
Hear From Our Students
This course is good for people with a full summer schedule as well as an empty summer schedule. It’s very versatile and not difficult at all to complete. With active listening and note-taking you can get the most out of the course, but it’s very engaging on its own. It’s great for an introduction to the study so you should take it if you’ve never tried this type of psychology before. - Emma, psychology student from VA.
I would recommend this course to anyone who is even slightly interested in psychology. This course was packed with information that was compelling and engaging. It connects to other subjects as well, which shows how broad psychology is, and how much it is right in front of us every day. If you know nothing about psychology, you should take this course, and if you know everything about psychology, you should take this course, because you will definitely learn something new. - Mackenzie, psychology student from MD.
Course Designed by William & Mary Faculty
Jennifer A. Stevens, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Dr. Stevens is an associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences and the Neuroscience Program at William & Mary. She is the director of the W&M Cognitive Neuroscience Lab and has primary research interests in visual and motor representation and the use of imagery to improve behavior, the relationship between space and thought, and perception of visual art and the aesthetic experience.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are needed. Our application requires basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian. Then, tell us why you wish to take this course. Include your personal story through writing, video, photos — or any medium you prefer.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.