SP21 - COMPUTER SCIENCE (DI-M)

The course aims to illustrate the framework of recent developments in the Internet, their psychological impacts, and their repercussions on social life, also considering disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence. In this new mode of knowledge and learning, traditional linguistic exchange—based on one-to-one communication (dialogue) or one-to-many (speech, lecture, etc.)—transforms into many-to-many interactions, with interactive and synergistic modalities.
The course seeks to provide a general overview of technologies applied to psychological sciences and to enhance students’ IT knowledge to face the new telematic reality both as users and analysts. At the same time, it promotes a multidisciplinary reflection on new systems of communication and human-machine interaction, which is now more necessary than ever to understand the digital reality and its potential.
The teaching contributes to the achievement of the educational objectives of the degree program by providing students with theoretical knowledge and fundamental methodological tools to understand and analyze the main topics of the reference discipline. Specifically, students are expected to have acquired:

Mastery of the fundamental elements of experimental research techniques, behavioral observation, and statistical analysis of psychological data, with particular attention to digital methodologies and emerging information technologies.
The ability to critically address issues related to the study objects of psychology, including online behaviors and digital social dynamics, and to effectively communicate their reflections.


Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and UnderstandingAcquire basic knowledge related to:

theories and measurement procedures in psychological sciences;
main quantitative and qualitative research methods;
digital technologies and software for behavioral data analysis;
the evolution of the Internet and its psychological and social impacts.

Applied Knowledge and UnderstandingAcquire operational skills in:

quantifying psychological functions;
using IT tools for data collection and analysis (e.g., SPSS, Excel, software for focus groups and online questionnaires);
constructing research instruments (questionnaires, interviews, focus groups);
understanding the psychological and social implications of online behavior.

Autonomy of JudgmentDevelop the ability to:

critically interpret collected data;
formulate hypotheses and verify them using appropriate methodological tools;
reflect on the role of digital technologies in the construction of knowledge and the development of psychological thought.

Communication SkillsBe able to present acquired knowledge:

through oral discussions and written assignments;
using appropriate technical language, even in digital and multidisciplinary contexts;
communicating effectively in virtual and collaborative environments.

Learning SkillsDevelop:

the ability to reflect and meta-reflect on course content;
autonomous and continuous learning skills, also through digital resources;
critical awareness of one’s IT and methodological competencies.