The goal of this class is to familiarize students to research methods in experimental psychology with both a theoretical and practical approach. The course will introduce students to signal-detection theory and ideal-observer analysis. This will be followed by a systematic presentation of classic experimental paradigms (eg, single-interval vs multiple-interval paradigms; magnitude scales) and aspects of mental chronometry (measure of reaction times). Concepts taught in class will be illustrated by practical examples (i.e., how to choose between experimental paradigms based on theoretical and practical constraints). The goal is to provide a tool-box to students interested in pursuing research in experimental psychology, or any other cognitive science that uses behavior as a measure. Another goal is to allow students to develop critical thinking skills about methods in psychology, and the appropriateness of a given method to a particular scientific question.

Prerequisites : None
ECTS : 6