Overview

This module will provide a solid theoretical understanding of the central topics within self-representation, and how they link to other key areas of psychology including perception, social cognition, and clinical disorders. Relevant empirical evidence will be presented throughout, to provide a detailed review of key neuroscientific, behavioural and psychophysiological techniques.

Main themes include:

Is This Me? We will explore the basic, fundamental mechanisms of self-consciousness, including body ownership (how we know what is part of our body and what is not) and agency (the feeling of control over our own actions).

Changing Bodies, Changing Minds: We will learn about the role of self-body representations in social cognition, and how we can use bodily illusions, synchronous movements and virtual reality to induce changes in social attitudes and stereotypes.

Gut feelings: We will introduce the “sixth sense”, interoception, which tells you what is happening inside your body. We explore why interoception is considered to be the fundamental basis of self-awareness, how it plays a crucial role in our cognition, decision making, emotional and social functioning, and how it can affect our mental health.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Adequate answer to the question, but with a limited elaboration of the arguments. Answer is largely based on the lecture material provided, with little evidence of wider reading. 40-49%, Grade D. -good -Reasonably comprehensive coverage of the relevant topics. Answer is well- structured and organised. Good understanding of the material. Will often bring in material from outside the lectures to illustrate understanding. Answer demonstrates some independent thoughts and insights. 50-69% Grades C-B. -excellent -Comprehensive and accurate coverage of the area. Answer shows a clarity of argument and expression. Uses material from outside of lectures to illustrate and clarify the arguments made. Depth of insight into theoretical issues, with clear evidence of independent thought. 70% and above, Grade A.

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise theories and empirical findings relating to the central themes in body-representation and self-representation research.

• Discuss and critically evaluate the key evidence for the role of body representations in social cognition and mental health

• Explain complex concepts within self- and body-representation in simple, clear ways.

• Have an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms and neurocognitive structures underlying basic bodily self-awareness.

• Use knowledge of current empirical methods to design and write an original proposal for a new study within one of the topics covered.