Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction (Qualitative Research)

Grand Canyon University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction is designed to help students who wish to work with adult educational communities that are economically and culturally diverse. Graduates will investigate how cognitive processes can inform the best instructional method.

The coursework in this cognitive psychology program covers topics relevant to building and analyzing desired learning outcomes. This includes studying social cognition and assessments. Additionally, learners in this PhD in cognitive psychology program will:

    Analyze the impacts of nature and nurture on cognitive development
    Use theoretical and empirical approaches to understand mental processes
    Create psychometrically sound measures
    Apply cognitive psychology to learning and instruction
    Understand how cognitive processes are used in practice

What Is a Qualitative PhD?

In a qualitative PhD program, students personally examine events to better understand an observed phenomenon. Through GCU’s qualitative PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction program, students will develop expertise in the development of a research study and gain insight into how and why people think, believe and behave. This program differs from GCU’s quantitative PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction program, which focuses on developing expertise in the creation of a sampling plan and in the collection of data.

Discover a Research-Based Approach to Learning

An empirical, research-based approach is at the heart of GCU’s PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction program. Graduates will research and analyze findings on topics in mental and thought processes including memory, reasoning, intelligence, motivation and learning. By exploring the principles of learning in theory and practice, learners are able to make an impact in the instruction that takes place in formal education settings.

Entry into this PhD program requires an advanced degree and prior coursework in the field. GCU’s online and evening learning environments allow current practitioners to develop their skills while remaining in their professional positions. Additionally, the knowledge gained by learners during the program can be immediately applicable to their current work.

Because research is integral to work in cognitive psychology, the dissertation process begins in the very first course of this PhD program where you are introduced to doctoral dispositions. Learners take courses and workshops in advanced research methods and writing strategies, which give the skills needed to present and defend a dissertation.

Dissertation topics come from learner’s research and interest. They may be inspired to further learn about the topics reviewed in this program including:

    Psychological tests to measure learning outcome
    Collaboration to increase instructional effectiveness
    Psychoanalysis and psychotherapy
    Human learning and cognition
    Psychological theories related to motivation, needs, love and existence
    Appropriate tests and measures
    Factors affecting individual behavior

PhD in Cognitive Psychology Careers

GCU’s PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction program helps students expand their knowledge and advance their skillset. Some graduates continue in their current positions, while many others seek new opportunities such as:

    Teachers
    Researchers
    University-level faculty members
    Government contractors

If you are eager to learn more about how people learn and how instruction and assessment can lead to academic achievement, a degree in cognitive psychology may be for you.