Using Nudges to Change Behaviour

Overview

This module will introduce students to recent theory and practice relating to behaviour change. Specifically, it will consider the psychology of “nudges”, small changes to choice architectures which encourage certain desirable behaviours without making those behaviours mandatory. Having addressed important theoretical background, the module will consider nudges in a variety of contexts including health, finance and pro-social behaviour. The module will conclude with a consideration of implications of nudge theory for policy and the very recent debate about the ethics of nudges. The module will be assessed via group reports proposing, analysing and justifying novel nudges for particular applied contexts

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to: describe relationships between background theory and particular nudges; demonstrate understanding of the important role played by the applied context in designing nudges; choose between a variety of possible approaches when designing a nudge best suited to a particular context; articulate the policy implications of nudges; and demonstrate an appreciation of the ethical issues surrounding nudges.

Skills

Students will acquire skills related to the application of psychology in the real world; they will develop their ability to analyse problems and to choose psychological solutions to those problems. Students will also develop their skills in grounding practical applications of psychology in theoretical claims. Because the assessment will involve group work, participation in the module will also improve students’ skills in team working.

Assessment

None