About the Course
While you read this sentence, your eyes alone are transmitting approximately 10 million pieces of data per second to your brain. Nevertheless, your attention remains focused on these words, you quickly decipher their meaning, and your memory stores make the whole process feel seamless. How is this possible? Cognitive psychology, often referred to as the science of the mind, examines how we represent and process information from our environment. It examines the diverse range of cognitive processes, including perception, learning, memory, forgetting, attention, problem-solving, reasoning, and language. You and your classmates will apply core research methodologies to models, principles, and discoveries within the discipline, and investigate the fundamental neurological structures associated with cognitive processes. Through simulations, group discussions, readings, and evaluation of research and theory, you'll gain an understanding of the ways information is processed, and of your own cognitive illusions, predispositions, and capacities.
Typical Class Size: 16-18
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic cognitive functions based on key research findings
- Examine and distinguish a wide range of cognitive processes including perception, learning, memory, forgetting, attention, problem-solving, reasoning, and language
- Apply critical thinking skills and methods and principles of cognitive psychology research to case studies of human behavior
- Demonstrate communication skills using various oral, written, and digital materials to discuss topics related to human cognition
- Collaborate with peers through simulations, group discussions, and evaluation of research and theory to learn how information is processed, and present a final research project on one of the principles and theories learned in class
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research, and Everyday Experience, by E. Bruce Goldstein
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 12, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research, and Everyday Experience, by E. Bruce Goldstein
UC-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: July 12, 2026
Filling up fast! 2 spots left
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research, and Everyday Experience, by E. Bruce Goldstein
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid