PSYC42530: Contemporary Challenges in Behavioural Science

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• To understand a range of topics in the field of behavioural science and to acquire knowledge about contemporary topics and current applications of behavioural science.
• The module will provide a forum for the critical examination of seminal theoretical models and empirical studies, along with methodologies and techniques used for the study of behavioural science phenomena.

• This module examines a range of specific research topics in the field of behavioural science as well as the application of techniques and principles to promote behaviour change.
• The module begins with an introduction to behavioural science, before detailing its history and emergence as a discipline, and critically addressing a number of current applications.
• Topics are always current and are likely to include behaviour in groups and teams; marketing and consumer behaviour; behavioural decision making; change management; coaching and mentoring; communication strategies; misinformation; digital marketing; employee and customer engagement; sustainability; public health; ethical practice.
• The core psychological processes and methodologies discussed in this module intersect with, and can be drawn upon to understand, topics covered in all of the optional modules part of the Executive MSc in Behavioural Science.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Detailed knowledge of a range of contemporary topics in behavioural science
• Detailed knowledge of a range of theories and methods applied to behaviour change

Subject-specific Skills:

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

Key Skills:

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

• This module will be delivered by the Department of Psychology
• The module will follow a blended learning approach. The mode of delivery will combine face-to-face elements with online (distant learning) elements.
• The face-to-face elements will follow a lecture/seminar format and will take place during an in-person block of condensed teaching outside of term time.
• Live webinars will also be conducted outside the in-person teaching block to facilitate the asynchronous online activities and summative assessment. Webinars will be recorded for students who cannot attend due to work commitments.
• The module will introduce contemporary theories and applications of behavioural science. The theoretical components will be partly delivered online, partly face-to-face.
• To make the most of the face-to-face elements, the sessions will be hands-on and will include elements of small group work and student-led discussions, which will enable students to learn independently, share professional experiences, and apply the knowledge acquired to address real-world challenges.
• There will be asynchronous (non-live) activities for students to complete independently outside the in-person block of teaching. Students will have the opportunity to take part in online self-assessment tests, which will feedforward to summative assessments.
• Students will have access to online discussion boards.
• Formative assessment will be undertaken through online self-assessment tests.
• The modules learning outcomes will be assessed by two pieces of summative work: participation in Blackboard discussion fora and a proposal for a new behavioural science intervention to tackle a social issue/challenge. This will assess written skills as well as students ability to organise and synthesize information and apply theories to behavioural science problems.
• An assessment of the range, recency and appropriateness of sources will be included in the overall assessment of the proposal.

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