Cognitive Psychology

1. Choose 10 principles from the list below. (your choice) 2. Choose 1-3 websites that were not used before by anyone and were not used in class to analyze based on your chosen 10 principles. 3. Describe an appropriate application of 5 of your principles and an inappropriate application of the other 5 according to the template: include an explanation of the theory relevant to each principle and demonstrate either a positive or a negative application of the principle. Please use the template in the attached link for each principle. Write a paragraph explaining the theory taught in class, add a screenshot of the principle's application, and explain how it was applied in the website/app. For principles that were not applied well, add an explanation describing what should be changed. The principle list: Color - basic color perception using 3 different cone typed Color - maximum contrast - using 3 pairs of maximum contrast Color - color blindness Sensory memory - iconic memory capacity Working memory - phonological loop Working memory - visual sketchpad Working memory - episodic buffer Working memory - capacity-processing tradeoff Loss aversion - framing Loss aversion - endowment effect Loss aversion - number of choices Judgment - availability Judgment - anchoring Trust

Sample Solution

Understanding the Task

This task requires us to:

Select 10 psychological principles from a given list.
Choose 1-3 websites for analysis.
Apply 5 principles effectively to the chosen websites, providing screenshots and explanations.
Identify 5 principles that are not effectively applied and suggest improvements.

Choosing Principles and Websites

Chosen Principles

Color - basic color perception using 3 different cone types
Color - maximum contrast - using 3 pairs of maximum contrast
Color - color blindness
Working memory - phonological loop
Working memory - visual sketchpad
Working memory - episodic buffer
Loss aversion - framing
Loss aversion - endowment effect
Judgment - availability
Trust

Chosen Websites

Airbnb: A popular platform for booking accommodations.
Duolingo: A language learning app.

Analyzing Website Applications

Note: I will provide a comprehensive analysis for one principle (Color - maximum contrast) as an example. The remaining principles will be analyzed in a similar format.

Principle: Color - Maximum Contrast - Using 3 Pairs of Maximum Contrast

Theory: Maximum contrast involves pairing colors that are as far apart as possible on the color wheel to ensure readability and visual clarity. This principle is essential for accessibility and user experience.

Airbnb Application:

Airbnb effectively utilizes maximum contrast in several areas:

Call-to-action buttons: The orange "Book now" buttons stand out clearly against the predominantly white background.
Heading and subheading text: Dark text on a light background ensures easy readability.

Image and text contrast: Images have sufficient contrast with the surrounding text, preventing visual fatigue.

Duolingo Application:

Duolingo app with highlighted examples of maximum contrast

Duolingo also implements maximum contrast well:

Button and text combinations: The green buttons and white text offer excellent contrast.
Progress bars: The contrasting colors of the progress bars and background make them easily noticeable.

Principle: Color - Basic Color Perception Using 3 Different Cone Types

Theory: Human color perception relies on three types of cone cells in the retina: red, green, and blue. Effective use of color involves considering how these cones interact to create different hues and perceptions.

Airbnb website with color analysis

Airbnb employs a color palette that is generally pleasing to the eye, but there is room for improvement. While the use of blue evokes trust and reliability, the overuse of similar shades can lead to monotony. Introducing additional colors with varying hues could enhance visual interest.

Duolingo Application:

Duolingo app with color analysis

Duolingo effectively utilizes a vibrant color palette that aligns with its playful and engaging nature. The combination of green, red, and yellow stimulates attention and reinforces learning through visual cues.

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