A clear explanation of a key term or jargon used within the course. A definition ensures that students understand the language and concept being discussed.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- Concepts
- Theories
- Formulas
- Diagrams
- Images
- Tables
- Examples

Core Educational Course Content (Material) Components

A theory is a broad explanatory framework that accounts for larger bodies of data and interprets phenomena. In psychological research, working with theories is a basic, essential ingredient, serving as the foundation from which specific hypotheses are derived and tested. Crucially, theories can be supported by evidence but can never be definitively proved, and disconfirming a single hypothesis does not necessarily mean that the broader theory has been disproved.

Theory

Concepts are mental categories used to group and organize various types of information, such as linguistic data, images, ideas, and memories. They function as cognitive structures or 'big ideas' that are formed by observing, categorizing, and combining specific details. This organizational system allows the mind to perceive relationships between different elements of experience, making information more organized and accessible. Concepts are influenced by semantic memory and are integral to every aspect of life, being particularly noticeable in educational settings where they are explicitly taught.

Concept

Definition

A mathematical or logical expression that describes a relationship between variables. A formula is essential for courses involving quantitative analysis.

Formula

A visual representation of information, such as a flowchart, graph, or mind map, which helps to illustrate a complex idea.

Diagram

A picture, illustration, or photograph that visually supports the course content. An image can enhance understanding by providing visual context.

Image

Organized data presented in rows and columns. A table is useful for summarizing information and comparing different variables.

Table

A specific instance that illustrates how a concept or theory applies in a real-world scenario. An example helps students relate abstract ideas to practical situations.

Example

The formula $W_h \in \mathbb{R}^{d \times d_h}$ defines a matrix, denoted as $W_h$. This matrix has dimensions of $d$ rows and $d_h$ columns. The symbol $\mathbb{R}$ indicates that every element within the matrix is a real number. This notation is fundamental for defining the structure of weight matrices in neural networks.

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