Psychophysiology

Course unit title

Scientific direction

Scientific code

Faculty

Department (s)

Psychophysiology

Biophysics

N011

Life Sciences Center

Institute of Biosciences

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Lectures

0

Consultations

2

Self-studies

6

Seminars

0

Aims of course

Psychophysiology is an interdisciplinary field of science that studies the influence of psychological phenomena on physiological processes; the effect of behavioral, cognitive, emotional, social factors on physiological processes. The range of methods used in psychophysiological research is wide, as are the research areas and issues addressed. Therefore, the aim of the course can be twofold: 1) To gain knowledge about the main methods used in psychophysiological research and the possibilities of their application in investigation of various psychological, cognitive, socio-emotional, etc. phenomena. 2) To study in detail a specific topic in which emerging issues are explored using psychophysiological methods.

Main topics

A doctoral student can study a course of Psychophysiology in general or to study in detail a specific field of psychophysiology that is relevant to his/her doctoral thesis.

When student choose studying Psychophysiology in general, the following structure of the course is recommended:

·       The introduction which provides a description of the science of psychophysiology, introduces cognitive and clinical psychophysiology, psychophysiological research of emotional and cognitive processes, physiological changes and their measurement, the basic concepts and terms of psychophysiology.

·       The major part of the course is devoted to the psychophysiological investigation of body organ systems. The influence of psychological factors on brain bioelectrical activity (EEG), event-related potentials, skin electrical activity, cardiovascular parameters, digestive and respiratory physiological functions, skeletal muscle electrical activity, pupil size and eye movements change is analyzed.

·       The final part is devoted to studying the regulation of the body internal state, emotions and motivation, stress, deception and applied psychophysiology.

When student choose studying of a specific area, the topic is discussed individually during the consultation.

Main literature

Handbook of Psychophysiology, Handbook of Psychophysiology, edited by John T. Cacioppo, Louis G. Tassinary, Gary  Berntson/ Cambridge University Press, 2017, 4th ed.

or

Handbook of Psychophysiology, edited by John T. Cacioppo, Louis G. Tassinary, Gary     Berntson/ Cambridge University Press, 2007, 3rd ed.

Assessment strategy

Assessment criteria

Exam or seminar presentation

The exam is considered if a student chooses to study the course in general. The exam is written and oral. The student answers four questions in writing. This is followed by an oral discussion. The value of each question is 25 percent.

The seminar is conducted when the student chooses to study a specific area. The presentation duration is 45 min and 15 min are devoted for a discussion. The quality of the presentation, in-depth knowledge of the topic and answering the questions are evaluated. The main evaluation criterion is knowledge of the topic.

Ramune Griksiene

PhD

Approved by the Council of Graduate School of Life Sceinces Center No 600000-…-… on the …. of …… 2021

Chairman