PS359-15 Behaviour Change
Introductory description
The module aims to develop your scientific understanding of the principles of Behaviour Change as they scale from neurons to culture
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 (100%) | |
Seminars | (0%) | 10 sessions of 1 hour |
Total | 34 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 | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
---|---|---|---|
Project | 33% | Yes (extension) | |
Propaganda for Change Project - Blog |
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Exam | 67% | No | |
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Feedback on assessment
Assessed via annotated copy and academic guidance form; exam performance via personal tutor or online.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 1 of TPSS-C8P9 Postgraduate Taught Psychological Research
- Year 3 of UPSA-C804 Undergraduate Psychology with Education Studies
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 4 of UPHA-VL79 BA in Philosophy with Psychology (with Intercalated year)