Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Artificial Intelligence and Human Psychology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_401
Branch of Science
Other Sub-Branches of Psychology; Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

To introduce students to the human cognitive process and basic principles of artificial intelligence, to promote students’ understanding of technology and human interaction and the ethical aspects of the use of AI tools, to improve the skills to analyse the objectivity and deficiencies of AI tools.

Preliminary Knowledge

General psychology, Cognitive psychology.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Students name and describe a person’s cognitive processes and explain their functions

Individual work and tests

Human cognitive processes test

2.Students name and describe basic principles and key concepts of AI and machine learning

Individual work and tests

Self-assessment test on basic principles of AI and machine learning

3.Describes the ethical principles and regulatory framework of AI (at EU and international level)

Individual work and tests

Test on ethical aspects of the use of AI

Skills

1.Using a specific example (attention, memory, or thinking) explains how this process affects the AI tool user’s perception and decision-making.

Individual work and tests

Human cognitive processes test

2.Compares at least two multilingual models (e.g. ChatGPT vs. Gemini) using the criteria given. Identify specific examples of prejudice in the result of generating the given AI text.

Individual work and tests

Structured comparative analysis with self-reflection Case study of prejudice with ethical assessment

3.The EU AI Act framework shall assess the compliance of the given AI application with the high-risk criteria and justify its assessment.

Individual work and tests

Case study of prejudice with ethical assessment Test on ethical aspects of the use of AI

4.Analyse at least one real-life case where AI influenced a professional decision with specific consequences.

Individual work and tests

Case study of prejudice with ethical assessment Structured comparative analysis with self-reflection

5.At least two peer-reviewed studies on the effects of AI on mental health shall be analysed, identifying methodological strengths and limitations.

6.Describes structured self-reflection on personal AI usage practices.

Competences

1.Critically reflecting on the experience of using personal technology, recognising both the powerful aspects and weaknesses of AI

Individual work and tests

Structured comparative analysis with self-reflection

2.Able to discuss the psychological impact of technology on humans

Individual work and tests

Structured comparative analysis with self-reflection

3.Demonstrates the ability to adapt and make effective use of AI tool applications and their capabilities

Individual work and tests

Structured comparative analysis with self-reflection

4.Able to make confident and critical use of technology and technological solutions in professional activities

Individual work and tests

Structured comparative analysis with self-reflection Case study of prejudice with ethical assessment

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Structured comparative analysis with self-reflection

20.00% from total grade
10 points

The student chooses a specific task from the context of the study or professional work and performs it with at least two different AI tools, then analyses the process and results in a structured way.

2.

Case study of prejudice with ethical assessment

20.00% from total grade
10 points

Students in pairs shall select a documented case in which the AI tool has demonstrated bias, inaccuracy or harmful outcomes in the fields of healthcare, psychology or other professional activities and shall perform a full analysis thereof, from case identification to ethical assessment and considerations of professional responsibility.

  • Attendance at all classes is mandatory;
  • if one lesson is unjustifiably delayed, the student shall not be allowed the opportunity to present the final work.
  • In order to justify a delayed class, the student must submit a submission from his or her MyRSU profile in accordance with the procedure laid down in Clause 2.20 or 2.17 of RSU rules of study;
  • If 50% or more of the class is justifiably delayed, the study course is considered unattended and the student is not admitted to taking the exam.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Human cognitive processes test

20.00% from total grade
10 points

Digital test in e-studies on basic definitions and functions of cognitive processes, concepts used

2.

Self-assessment test on basic principles of AI and machine learning

20.00% from total grade
10 points

Digital test in e-studies on basic principles of AI and machine learning and concepts used

3.

Test on ethical aspects of the use of AI

20.00% from total grade
10 points

Digital test in e-studies on ethical aspects and basic principles of AI use

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Human intelligence and cognitive processes
Description

Intelligence, basic definitions and functions of cognitive processes

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Course introduction, technology-human interaction
Description

Course objectives, topics, tasks, deadlines and evaluation criteria.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Principles for the operation of artificial Intelligence
Description

Basic definitions and operating principles of AI

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Ethical aspects and risks of using technology and AI tools
Description

Regulatory legislation, ethical considerations and ethical decision-making for AI technologies

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Application of technology and AI on a daily basis
Description

Seminar on the day-to-day application of student technology and AI

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Human intelligence and cognitive processes
Description

Intelligence, basic definitions and functions of cognitive processes

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Critical thinking and its role in AI usage
Description

Linking cognitive processes to AI tool usage

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Human cognitive adaptation in AI environment
Description

Cognitive adaptation, promting as a way of thinking

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Impact of technology on mental health
Description

Impact of technology and AI tools on mental health

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Future perspectives for human-technological interaction
Description

Potential development directions of digital transformation and their psychological impact

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

AI tools and examples of their use
Description

Seminar on top AI tools and their applications

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Ethical aspects and risks of using technology and AI tools
Description

Regulatory legislation, ethical considerations and ethical decision-making for AI technologies

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Critical thinking and its role in AI usage
Description

Linking cognitive processes to AI tool usage

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Future perspectives for human-technological interaction
Description

Potential development directions of digital transformation and their psychological impact

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Presentation and continuous work of the discussion, according to the chosen topic
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Presentation and continuous work of the discussion, according to the chosen topic
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Course introduction, technology-human interaction
Description

Course objectives, topics, tasks, deadlines and evaluation criteria.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Application of technology and AI on a daily basis
Description

Seminar on the day-to-day application of student technology and AI

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Human intelligence and cognitive processes
Description

Intelligence, basic definitions and functions of cognitive processes

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Human intelligence and cognitive processes
Description

Intelligence, basic definitions and functions of cognitive processes

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Principles for the operation of artificial Intelligence
Description

Basic definitions and operating principles of AI

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

AI tools and examples of their use
Description

Seminar on top AI tools and their applications

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Ethical aspects and risks of using technology and AI tools
Description

Regulatory legislation, ethical considerations and ethical decision-making for AI technologies

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Critical thinking and its role in AI usage
Description

Linking cognitive processes to AI tool usage

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Critical thinking and its role in AI usage
Description

Linking cognitive processes to AI tool usage

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Human cognitive adaptation in AI environment
Description

Cognitive adaptation, promting as a way of thinking

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Impact of technology on mental health
Description

Impact of technology and AI tools on mental health

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Future perspectives for human-technological interaction
Description

Potential development directions of digital transformation and their psychological impact

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Mākslīgais intelekts augstākajā izglītībā. RSU, 2024

2.

Explanation in artificial intelligence: Insights from the social sciences (Miller, 2019)Suitable for English stream

3.

Human- versus Artificial Intelligence (Korteling, et al., 2021)Suitable for English stream

4.

Cognitive psychology-based artificial intelligence review (Zhao, et al., 2022)Suitable for English stream

5.

Čukurs, E., Hofmane, A. (2014). Psihiskie procesi. No: Mārtinsone, K., Miltuze, A. (red.), Psiholoģija. 1. grāmata (127. -167. lpp). Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC. (akceptējams izdevums)