Module PSYC3831: Behaviour Change: Foundations, Advances and Applications

Department: Psychology

PSYC3831: Behaviour Change: Foundations, Advances and Applications

Prerequisites

• 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology modules

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• This module introduces students to the foundations, advances, and practical applications of behaviour change theories and methods. Students will gain a thorough understanding of social cognitive perspectives on decision-making and learn how these may lead to fallacies and biases. The module will develop students' ability to design real-world consultancy projects, and to critically apply concepts of epistemic integrity, fallacies and biases, ethical principles, and cultural respect within practical behaviour change interventions.

Content

• The module integrates two core areas:
• 1. Behaviour Change Foundations
• Students will be introduced to key concepts of human social cognition, judgment, and decision-making that may lead to cognitive biases. Indicative topics include heuristics, categorisation, stereotyping, illusory correlation, and implicit cognition.
• Theoretical and empirical work will be discussed to provide a foundation for understanding behaviour change.
• 2. Behaviour Change Advances and Applications
• The principles covered will be applied to real-world behaviour change challenges.
• Students will engage in activities, case study analyses, and a consultancy project. Throughout the module, they will learn how to design and evaluate interventions using established models of behaviour change and intervention design, while developing a critical understanding of cultural, ethical, and context complexities and sensitivities in behavioural consultancy.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the core principles of human social cognition that guide judgment and decision-making, and how these principles can lead to cognitive biases.
• Gain knowledge of key principles, processes, and techniques in behaviour change interventions, and develop a nuanced understanding of cultural, ethical, and contextual considerations in behavioural consultancy.

• Critically review research topics in social cognition and behaviour change.
• Develop practical skills in the ethical and culturally respectful application of behavioural science theories and techniques to address real-world issues through consultancy work.

• Strengthen oral and written communication skills through assessments.
• Learn to work both independently and in teams, utilising IT skills for effective report writing and data presentation.
• Gain experience in developing behavioural consultancy reports and formulating evidence-based recommendations.

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

• 1. Term 1 (Weeks 1 – 10) focuses on theoretical lectures related to decision making, cognitive fallacies and biases. Teaching will also include interactive discussions, case studies, and group work to gain a deeper understanding of concepts.
• 2. Term 2 (Weeks 11–20) centres on the consultancy process and lectures will comprise of interactive elements such as problem-based learning tasks and discussions. Students will work on real-world behaviour change challenges, design an intervention and evaluation program that applies behaviour change theory and techniques, and compile a consultancy report.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ 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