Module PSYC41915: Behavioural Insights for Public Policy

Department: Psychology

PSYC41915: Behavioural Insights for Public Policy

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• Acquire an understanding of how to apply psychological science to public policy challenges such as improving health, environmental, and personal finance outcomes

Content

• This module examines the psychology of change through the application of behavioural ‘nudges’
• The module begins with an introduction to the psychology of behaviour change, before critically addressing key studies and exploring their application to a range of public sector problems including how to improve health, environmental and financial outcomes
• Topics can vary from year to year but are likely to include applied studies on the behavioural messaging principles that can promote healthy consumption choices, encourage people to engage in more environmentally positive behaviours, and save more for retirement
• The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge of a range of specific research topics and methods in the field of behavioural science

• Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately

• Good written communication skills
• Good IT skills in word processing, data manipulation and data presentation
• Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students' acquisition of detailed knowledge will be facilitated by lectures, some small group work, audio-visual materials, discussions and detailed reading lists
• These modes of teaching provide students with detailed knowledge of the key theories and the skills needed to evaluate different theoretical positions in light of current evidence
• The summative essay will assess students' detailed subject knowledge
• An assessment of the range, recency and appropriateness of sources will be included in the overall assessment of the essay
• The use of group discussions / small group work will ensure that students are exposed to a range of different theoretical positions, and encouraged to understand their inter-relations
• Lectures, discussions and small group work will also give students the opportunity to interpret and evaluate the significance of empirical work
• The summative essay assesses students' acquired knowledge of theoretical principles and empirical studies and their ability to organise and synthesise them coherently and critically in written form in response to a set question
• The summative essay will also assess students' written communication skills
• Feedback on the summative essays will be available within 3 teaching weeks allowing students plenty of time to benefit from feedback on this aspect of their work

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Poster (500 words)

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University