Introductory description

This module covers core concepts in political psychology with particular reference to principles of behavioural and economic science.

Module aims

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.

The module will cover areas such as representations of political ideology in different disciplines; the psychological differences between conservatives and liberals; mapping and measuring the multi-dimensional ideological space, behavioural models and voting behaviour, social identify and preferences, inequality and economic and political behaviour, values, and culture in politics, the role of social media, and models of political persuasion and attitude change

Learning outcomes

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

• Understand the history of, and different methodological approaches within, political psychology as relevant to Behavioural Science
• Comprehend and critically evaluate experimental studies in political psychology
• Interrogate datasets on political attitudes
• Comprehend and critique mathematical and computational models of important phenomena within political psychology.

Subject specific skills

Ability to articulate differences between approaches to both theory and
experimentation in economics, psychology, and political science

Ability to understand and explain core theoretical concepts, specific models, and experimental paradigms within political psychology

Ability to apply insights from behavioural and economic science to understanding of political issues.

Transferable skills

Critical evaluation

Data analysis skills

Effective personal planning skills