Catalog Course Description
This course examines human cognitive processes, both simple and complex, and normal human cognitive functioning. It provides an overview of what human cognition is and what it involves.
It examines the processes by which humans gather data and information, including how humans sense and perceive the surrounding environment to how humans recall and process data and information from all forms of memory.
The course also examines the impacts of constructs such as attention, sensation, and perception on those processes. Next it examines how humans organize knowledge in the mind, as well as the impact language has on doing so. It also examines the impact of reasoning and creativity on the processes of risk assessment, problem solving, and decision making.
Finally the course provides an overview of human decision making strategies, including the differing requirements, strengths, and weaknesses of each strategy, as well as of strategies for decision making in dynamic environments.
Prerequisite(s): None
Course Goals
This course will provide the graduate student the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively apply critical thought to the principles of human cognition.
Students will gain a working knowledge of human cognition and cognitive processes, as well as the ability to apply those processes in a variety of academic and professional settings in order to improve human functioning within those environments.
This knowledge will also provide the foundation for further study in the MSHF degree program.
Learning Outcomes
Evaluate and appropriately employ the different risk assessment strategies both within and outside aviation and aerospace operations.
Evaluate and appropriately employ the different fundamental decision-making strategies both within and outside of aviation/aerospace operations.
Evaluate and appropriately employ the various types of human memory functions as they apply both within and outside of aviation and aerospace operations.
Evaluate and compare the differences between the various forms of knowledge in the mind and how that knowledge is organized and utilized.
Apply in an operational context, the principles and neuropsychology of human language, how language is applied in context, and how language impacts perception.
Evaluate and illustrate the difference between perception and understanding.
Construct a single model of how humans perceive the world around them by integrating the various components of human perception. Relate this model specifically to aviation and aerospace operations.
Evaluate and appropriately employ the different forms of human attention as they apply both within and outside of aviation and aerospace operations.
Critically analyze empirical literature and research papers in the area of human cognition, to enhance knowledge, skills and application abilities in the field.
Demonstrate appropriate selection and application of a research method and statistical analysis (where required), specific to the course subject matter.
