PSICOG08 - PSYCHOLOGY OF MEMORY AND AGING

courses

ID:

PSICOG08

Duration (hours):

60

CFU:

SSD:

PSICOLOGIA GENERALE

Located in:

CHIETI

Url:

Course Details:

PSYCHOLOGY/NEUROSCIENZE COGNITIVE Year: 2

Year:

2025

Course Catalogue:

https://unich.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/af/2025?co...

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (29/09/2025 - 20/12/2025)

Course Objectives

The course contributes to achieving the educational objectives of the degree program by providing stimulus and guidance for the in-depth study of changes in basic cognitive processes such as perception, attention, language, memory, and emotions in aging. Additionally, it aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the organization and functioning of cognitive and affective processes. EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES: Knowledge and understanding: The student should be able to: Recognize the main theoretical and methodological approaches in the psychology of aging. Describe the origins and evolution of gerontological psychology. Identify the main theoretical and experimental paradigms. Identify the main changes in cognitive processes and the relationship between them. Describe the latest trends in the gerontological field, with particular reference to emotions. Understand the organization and functioning of cognitive and affective processes. Independent judgment: The student should be able to discuss experimental data with the elderly and develop new analytical viewpoints on each cognitive change. Communication skills: The student should be able to use the technical language of the psychology of aging, highlighting the terminological differences within the multidimensional approach to the study of the elderly.

Course Prerequisites

none

Teaching Methods

4 hours of face-to-face teaching, divided into 2- and 3-hour lessons, with the possibility of group work.

Assessment Methods

he exam consists of a written test aimed at assessing the student’s learning, conceptual mastery, use of appropriate terminology, and ability to interpret and analyze cognitive deficits. The test includes 30 multiple-choice questions (with 4 answer options, only one of which is correct). The exam duration is 30 minutes. Students may choose to complete the exam with an optional oral component, to be arranged with the instructor. The test will be graded on a scale from 0 to 30 (with honors possible). A score between 18 and 23 indicates sufficient learning, 23 to 28 indicates good learning, and 28 to 30 indicates excellent learning. A grade of “with honors” reflects exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills regarding the course topics. For attending students, three intermediate assessments are planned, designed to focus attention on the key elements of the lessons. Each test generally includes a maximum of 10 multiple-choice questions (4 answer options, only one of which is correct). If at least 6 out of 10 questions are answered correctly, the test may contribute to the final evaluation.

Texts

De Beni, R., & Borella, E. (2024-terza edizione). Psicologia dell'invecchiamento e della longevità. Il Mulino, Bologna, All chapters, 36 euro. + Mammarella, N., & Di Domenico, A. (2011). La memoria autobiografica. Carocci, Roma. All chapters. Additional texts or reference articles useful for exam preparation may be communicated by the instructor during class.

The course aims to provide an in-depth overview of the psychological processes related to aging, considering the individual in a holistic way – from cognitive, emotional, social, and functional perspectives. It begins with an introductory reflection on what it means to age, distinguishing between normal and pathological aging, and analyzing demographic trends and their social implications. Students will be guided to explore the cognitive changes that occur in later life, such as those affecting memory, attention, and language, as well as adaptive abilities and the potential of neuroplasticity. Another central focus is the emotional and affective dimension: the course will examine changes in emotion regulation, subjective well-being, quality of life, and the possible presence of issues such as depression and anxiety. The course also addresses the clinical dimension, covering topics related to the assessment of abilities, autonomy, daily functioning, and adaptation to conditions of frailty or chronic illness, such as Alzheimer’s disease.