Eye Movements and Cognition – (M.Sc.)

The School of Psychology has recently established a centre of excellence for eye movement research; the MSc Eye Movements and Cognition will be closely linked to this new centre. For many psychology researchers, the recording of eye movements has become the preferred method for studying the human mind; our eye fixations and eye movements reveal much about how humans process the information that surrounds them.

In recent years, the use of this method has greatly advanced our theoretical understanding of human perception, attention, decision making and language processing. In addition, eye movement recording is being used in many practical applications such as for the study of consumer behaviour and human-computer interaction. The growing importance of eye movement research in psychology and the benefits of working within the centre of eye movement research should make this an attractive option for students.

The programme will lead to the award of the MSc in Eye Movements and Cognition or a Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate. Students will receive a thorough background in models of eye movement control, the use of eye movement recording as a method for investigating theories of human perception, attention, decision making and language processing, and it use in practical applications.

The School of Psychology has many state of the art eye tracking systems, and students will also receive specialised training in the use of these systems. They will also get practical experience in conducting theoretical or applied research with staff members from the centre of eye movement research. In addition, the course offers students an excellent theoretical and practical grounding in research methods in Psychology, building upon the levels of skill and knowledge attained in their first degree in Psychology (as recognised by the British Psychological Society for Graduate Membership). The course will provide a first year of research training for students intending to continue with postgraduate research on eye movements or related disciplines. It will also cater for those who wish to use eye movement recording outside the academic environment, for example to analyse consumer behaviour.

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise Psychology at the University of Dundee was ranked in the top five in Scotland, with 85% of our research rated as internationally recognised or better.Aims of the Programme:

The programme aims to enable students to

- Pursue and develop the advanced study of research methods in Psychology and in particular to address contemporary issues of epistemology, data collection, measurement and data analysis.

- Approach problems in research by critical evaluation of existing psychological paradigms and research literature and to apply this to current theoretical or applied issues in Psychology.

- Develop advanced research skills which will be relevant to policy and practice in the workplace.

- Develop and demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in research design, methodology and statistical analysis.

- Develop and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current research in a specialised field of experimental or applied Psychology.

- Engage in the analysis, synthesis, planning, execution and evaluation of research at an advanced level.

- Make an original contribution to scientific knowledge, methodology or practice in a research project either grounded in experimental psychology or in an applied area relevant to the learner's employment.

- Develop and practice dissemination and presentation skills to peers and to wider academic and professional audiences.

- Provide an advanced understanding of scientific issues in the chosen topic specialisation.