Optimizing for cognition: tools and strategies for achieving and maintaining cognitive potential

The aim of the course is to present and critically evaluate recent findings in the fields of biopsychology, cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience concerning the mechanisms and properties of the brain and cognitive processes that underlie tools and strategies to improve and maintain cognitive abilities and to effectively use cognitive processes to cope with challenges in different life contexts.

The course is divided into two main thematic areas. In the first part, students are introduced to the factors affecting cognitive abilities and the mechanisms and tools for improving and maintaining cognitive abilities, including:

- Environmental and psychological stress,

- physical activity,

- sleep,

- nutrition,

- relaxation techniques and meditation,

- cognitive training.

In the second part, students are introduced to cognitive strategies and tools to effectively use their cognitive abilities and address life challenges in the following areas of work and life:

- System 1 and System 2 in everyday life,

- habit formation and incentive architecture,

- learning and memory strategies,

- time management strategies and productivity,

- setting and shaping short- and long-term goals,

- cognitive control, willpower and mental resilience.

For each topic, students are introduced to the underlying assumptions and claims that can be found in the popular literature, are introduced to relevant background knowledge and recent scientific findings, and use these to evaluate the underlying assumptions and the various tools, strategies and recommendations that emerge from them.

1. Dresler, M., & Repantis, D. (2015). Cognitive enhancement in humans. V Cognitive enhancement (str. 273-306). Academic Press. V postopku nabave, COBISS ID dodamo naknadno.

2. Leong, R. L., & Chee, M. W. (2023). Understanding the need for sleep to improve cognition. Annual Review of Psychology, 74, 27-57. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-psych-032620-0341…

3. Nyberg, L., & Pudas, S. (2019). Successful memory aging. Annual review of psychology, 70, 219-24 https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-psych-010418-1030…

4. Yakobi, O., Smilek, D., & Danckert, J. (2021). The effects of mindfulness meditation on attention, executive control and working memory in healthy adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 45(4), 543-560. http://nukweb.nuk.uni-lj.si/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/logi…

5. Sala, G., & Gobet, F. (2019). Cognitive Training Does Not Enhance General Cognition. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 23(1), 9–20. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364661318302523

6. Folk, D., & Dunn, E. (2024). How Can People Become Happier? A Systematic Review of Preregistered Experiments. Annual Review of Psychology, 75. 467-493. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-psych-022423-0308…

7. Verplanken, B., & Orbell, S. (2022). Attitudes, habits, and behavior change. Annual review of psychology, 73, 327-352. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-psych-020821-0117…

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