Cognitive Science - Methods

Aim

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• account for central methods that are used in the cognitive science field
• account for the strengths and weaknesses of these methods
• account for the relevance that choice of method can have on carrying out a study in cognitive science
• account for how results from different studies where different methods have been used can be integrated
• discuss the problems that may be related to such integration
• argue for the choice of appropriate method when a cognitive science issue should be studied.

Content

The contents of the course address

• the basic question what is a method within a scientific discipline?
• Some of the central methods that will be used are, for example, computer modelling, questionnaires, interviews, simulations, formal proofs of mathematical or logical character, studies through observation and "grounded theory", but also other methods, such as eye-movement cameras and different neurological study techniques
• The differences between different methods, for example qualitative and quantitative methods