APME79-Nudge and Behaviour Change

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: a.l.macready@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Over the past decade, the need to apply strategies to change behaviour for the benefit of society and future generations has become apparent, through numerous initiatives such as public health and sustainability campaigns. Integrating key perspectives in behavioural economics and psychology through lectures, case studies, group discussions and presentations, identify the major challenges and opportunities in behaviour change theory today and gain the knowledge and skills to become a leader in developing and utilising nudge and behaviour change strategies in practice.

Aims:

Over the past decade the importance of behaviour change in our society has become very apparent. Hence the need to understating and apply strategies to change behaviour for the benefit of society is important for future generations. Worldwide campaigns such as the stop smoking campaigns and numerous eating healthy campaigns are examples of such behaviour change initiatives.  This module will focus on help participants to understand and evaluate theory, techniques and models of behaviour change including when to apply them appropriately. Understand and apply systematic design processes to create effective change interventions. Finally, the participants will be able to demonstrate the critical ability to design, develop and apply appropriate behaviour change strategies. The overall aim of this course is to provide an overview of the major challenges and opportunities in behaviour change theory and to enable students to become leaders in developing and utilising nudge and behaviour change strategies in practice.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Understand and evaluate theory, models and behaviour change techniques in a variety of environments.


2. Demonstrate the ability to apply the relevant concepts and theories appropriately.


3. Consider and appreciate the role of technology in supporting behaviour change.


4. Understand and apply strategies to create effective change interventions.


5. Demonstrate the critical ability to design, develop and apply appropriate behaviour change interventions to real-world challenges and scenarios.

Additional outcomes:

• Develop strong research capabilities


• Gain team working and development skills

Outline content:

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be a mix of lecturing, tutorial and group based discussion and presentations in the delivery of this module. The Teaching will also incorporate the case study method of teaching. An online presentation by each student on the use of an aspect of behaviour change to support or solve a societal, political, economic or environmental issue will form the basis of discussion at the end of the module, and form part of the assessment of the module.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The module will be assessed by written coursework and a screencast/online presentation. The report will comprise 80% of the overall module assessment. The online presentation (screencast) will be prepared and uploaded for viewing by peers and academic staff as part of an in-class discussion. The presentation and the contributions made to the online discussion will comprise the remaining 20% of the overall module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Online or class exercises and discussion fora will provide the basis for formative assessment.

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:

A mark of 50% overall (weighted average of the coursework marks).

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of coursework

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 24 July 2020