PSYC3831: Behaviour Change: Foundations, Advances and Applications

• 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology modules

• None

• None

• 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.

• 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.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• 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.

Subject-specific Skills:

• 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.

Key Skills:

• 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.

• 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 1120) 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.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.