PS359-15 Behaviour Change

Department: Psychology
Level: Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader: Thomas Hills
Credit value: 15
Module duration: 12 weeks
Assessment: 33% coursework, 67% exam
Study location: University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

The module aims to develop your scientific understanding of the principles of Behaviour Change as they scale from neurons to culture

Module web page

Module aims

This applies to changes in behaviour in response to factors such as reinforcement learning, persuasion and influence (e.g., advertising and negotiation), job interviews and negotiation, and cultural forces acting over history. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the research and developing a theoretical framework for understanding behaviour change. In addition, this module aims to help you identify and evaluate persuasive content and to develop programs for motivating change.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction
Changing Attitudes
Reinforcement Learning
Persuasion
Mindspace
Create Yourself
The self in group
Diversity & Historical changes
Negotiation
Interviews
Revision sessions

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

Understand theoretical principles of behaviour change
Research contributions of behaviour change, ranging from Asch to Zimbardo
Know how to recognize, evaluate, and create persuasive messages to motivate change
Apply behaviour change to the real world, such as advertising, job interviews, and negotiation

Indicative reading list

Cialdini, R. B. (2009). Influence: Science and practice. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Goldenberg, J., Mazursky, D. et al. (1999). The fundamental templates of quality ads. Marketing Science, 333-351.
Malhotra, D., & Bazerman, M. H. (2007). Negotiation genius. New York: Bantam Books.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Understanding of principles of behaviour change and
Ability to recognize, evaluate, and create persuasive messages to motivate change
Understand how to apply behaviour change in the real world.

Transferable skills

effective communication skills to develop a cogent argument supported by relevant evidence and being sensitive to the needs and expectations of an audience
computer literacy
recognition of what is required for effective teamwork
effective personal planning skills

Study time

Type	Required	Optional
Lectures	34 sessions of 1 hour (23%)
Seminars	(0%)	10 sessions of 1 hour
Private study	116 hours (77%)
Total	150 hours

Private study description

116 hours guided student study and assessment preparation

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.

Assessment group D3

	Weighting	Eligible for self-certification
Project	33%	Yes (extension)
Propaganda for Change Project - Blog
Exam	67%	No
Online examination: No Answerbook required

Feedback on assessment

Assessed via annotated copy and academic guidance form; exam performance via personal tutor or online.

Past exam papers for PS359

Courses

This module is Optional for:

Year 1 of TPSS-C8P9 Postgraduate Taught Psychological Research
Year 3 of UPSA-C800 Undergraduate Psychology
Year 4 of UPSA-C801 Undergraduate Psychology (with Intercalated year)
Year 3 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies

This module is Option list A for:

Year 3 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies

This module is Option list B for:

Year 3 of UPHA-VL78 BA in Philosophy with Psychology
Year 4 of UPHA-VL79 BA in Philosophy with Psychology (with Intercalated year)
Year 1 of TPSS-C8P9 Postgraduate Taught Psychological Research

This module is Option list C for:

Year 3 of UPSA-C802 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics