PYMBE-Behavioural Economics

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PYMIP Introduction to Psychology for Finance
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: r.a.mccloy@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module introduces students to the application of psychological insights into decision-making that help explain economic decision-making.

Aims:
To give students a broad overview of research in behavioural economics and an understanding of how this research has been applied in settings such as public policy and marketing.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, the student will be able to:

1.Critically analyse research on key phenomena in behavioural economics. 

2. Critically evaluate different economic and psychological perspectives on rationality. 

3. Apply their understanding of key phenomena in behavioural economics to the design of interventions to influence behaviour.

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain experience from participating in group discussions and activities. They will also gain experience in presentation and dissemination skills.

Outline content:

This course of 7x2 hour sessions will use a mixture of lectures, guided activities, and group discussions. 



The course will provide an overview of the expanding field of behavioural economics and will discuss how this research is being applied in real-life settings (e.g. government policy making; sustainable behaviours; healthy eating). Some core topics include: 

1. What is Behavioural Economics? Economic and Psychological models of choice

2. Key phenomena in Behavioural Economics

3. Context in Behavioural Economics

4. Social and Emotional aspects of Choice

5. Applications of Behavioural Economics

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The classroom sessions will be made up of a mixture of lectures, interactive discussions, group activities and student presentations. These will be further supported by a mixture of follow-up activities and guided reading.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Extended essay report.

Formative assessment methods:
Groupwork and presentations within class.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
An alternative piece of coursework will be provided.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019