QUALIFICATION RULES

Recruitment Process

The recruitment consists of two stages. Stage one evaluates knowledge of selected Cognitive Science textbooks, while stage two tests the ability to understand and critically analyze scientific papers. Scoring below the threshold in either stage results in a total score of 0 points.

1. Written Exam

Candidates complete a written qualifying exam in English, delivered online in the form of a test. The exam covers the following materials:

• Bermudez, J. L. (2014). Cognitive Science: An Introduction to the Science of the Mind (2nd edition or newer), Cambridge University Press.
• Introductory Python course:
  https://cogsci.uw.edu.pl/admissions/python-intro/

The maximum score is 100 points. Candidates must score at least 50%. Only candidates with the highest scores—up to twice the number of available places—advance to the next stage.

2. Oral Exam

The oral exam is held online in English and focuses on the discussion and critical analysis of selected scientific papers:

• De Baene, W., et al. (2015). Brain Circuit for Cognitive Control Is Shared by Task and Language Switching. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 27(9), 1752–1765.
  DOI link
• Jafari Malali, M., et al. (2024). The Influence of Mental Calculations on Brain Regions and Heart Rates. Scientific Reports, 14(18846).
  DOI link
• Sixtus, E., et al. (2023). Influence of Body Movements on Children’s Mental Arithmetic. Acta Psychologica, 239(104003).
  DOI link

The examiners will assess two core areas:

• Comprehension: understanding of hypotheses, theory, methodology, and statistical analysis.
• Critical Analysis: evaluation of study strengths and weaknesses, with reasoned personal opinions.

Each area is scored out of 50 points, totaling a maximum of 100 points. Candidates must obtain at least 60% in the oral exam to remain eligible for admission. Admission decisions are based on the combined total of both exam scores.