Questions actuelles de recherche en sciences psychologiques

This course is designed to familiarize students with the world of research in psychology. The content is situated within the field of cognitive sciences and is oriented around the cross-cutting theme of the perception of time. Within this topic, students select their own angle of exploration, related to their fields of interest (e.g., theoretical, experimental or clinical perspectives). English is the language of teaching and assessment throughout the course.
Emphasis is also placed on learning how to efficiently review the scientific literature on a specific topic and how to communicate key findings effectively in both written and oral forms.

The course aims to provide students with an insight into what it may be like to undertake doctoral research or to work in an organization where research forms part of professional practice. It also helps students identify their strengths and better anticipate the challenges associated with such career paths. As such, the course is built around a wide variety of activities designed to simulate the professional environment that future researchers will encounter.
Throughout the course, each student is expected to:
Select and develop an individual theme about time perception;
Demonstrate a range of critical academic reading strategies;
Write a short, coherent, cohesive academic text in English on their chosen topic, and to develop this text in response to feedback;
Make a short, clear academic presentation in English on their chosen topic;
Respond positively to constructive criticism, identify areas for improvement in their academic skills, and develop strategies to enhance the quality of their work;
Use AI technologies effectively, critically and ethically to support academic research practices;
Reflect on their own professional trajectory, particularly in contexts where English plays an important role.
Knowledge of the chosen topic and the ability to communicate about it are assessed in English. Note that students are not graded on their level of English, but rather on their capacity to take account of correction and advice and apply it to their work.

Required and Corequired knowledge and skills

Students enrolled in this course are part of the "filière approfondie” offered by the Faculty of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Speech and Language therapy at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB). We recommend that students have a B2 level of English to follow this course but arrangements can be made for students whose English is at a lower level. Please contact Nell Foster (nell.foster@ulb.be) if you aren't sure of your level or if you have questions about the language dimensions of the class.

The class is taught by two teachers, one a specialist in cognitive sciences, the other in English for academic purposes. Attendance at all classes is compulsory.
Presentations and classroom learning tasks on a) the scientific content of the course (e.g. theoretical, experimental or clinical dimensions of time perception) and b) the academic and professional skills needed for conducting research in and outside of academia (e.g. reading in a second language, using AI to support academic writing, writing letters of application);
Individual and group reflection and discussions;
Ongoing tasks to be completed at home;
Regular formative feedback from teachers and peers.

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

A non-exhaustive list of scientific articles related to the annual theme and course activities is provided at the beginning of the course. Students are also expected to identify and locate additional articles that align with their own research interests.

Additional information

Attendance at each class is compulsory.

Contacts

Catherine.De.Beer@ulb.be

Campus

Solbosch

Method(s) of evaluation

• Continuous assessment

Continuous assessment

Evaluation is based on a series of compulsory tasks, several of which are graded. These tasks involve reading, writing, oral presentations, and self-reflective activities.

Language(s) of evaluation

• english