PS935-7-SP-CO:
Neurocognition of Human Interaction

The details
2025/26
Psychology
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 12 January 2026
Friday 20 March 2026
15
06 November 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC C85512 Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology,
MPHDC85548 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology,
MPHDC85584 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology,
PHD C85548 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology,
PHD C85584 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology,
MSCIC999 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience,
MSCICA98 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (Including Placement Year),
MSCICA99 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (Including Year Abroad)

Module description

One of the fastest moving areas in the field of cognitive neurocience is the study of the neurocognition of language and human interaction more broadly. This module provides an advanced introduction to major contemporary topics in the field.


The module will introduce different neuroscience methodologies used to study human interactions in the brain but will pay special attention to electro-physiological measurements that have proven to be very effective in studying the neurocognitive architecture underlying the comprehension of interactions. Relevant theories and research findings will be critically analysed in the weekly seminar-style sessions.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To provide students with an understanding of the neurocognitive processes underlying human communication.

  • To introduce students to a range of research findings within the field of human interactions, which will enable them to understand how complex psycholinguistic processes may be represented in the brain.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to have acquired:



  1. An advanced knowledge and understanding of neurocognitive theories of human interaction components.

  2. Demonstrate a thorough understanding how specific language functions can be tied to particular neural correlates.

  3. An ability to deploy advanced research skills including the use of scientific databases.

  4. An ability to deploy advanced writing skills following conventions for academic writing.

Module information

Students are expected to read journal articles that describe experimental paradigms and theoretical (re)views of topics in Neurocognition of Human Interaction research. Attendance at seminars, effective note-taking, and prepared readings will be essential to successfully complete this module.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • One seminar per week.

Bibliography*

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Presentation    12.5% 
Coursework   Written Assignment    87.5% 
Exam  Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 24hr during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 24hr during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
40% 60%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
40% 60%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Silke Paulmann, email: paulmann@essex.ac.uk.
Silke Paulmann
contact by email: paulmann@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
Yes
No

External examiner

Dr Alexander Jones
Middlesex University
Senior lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
20 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information
Psychology

* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.

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