PB450E Half Unit
Behavioural Science and Policy
This information is for the 2018/19 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Paul Dolan QUE.3.08
Availability
This course is compulsory on the Executive MSc in Behavioural Science. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
This course aims to introduce students to the main concepts and tools of the growing fields of behavioural science. The course covers the following topics: What is behavioural science?; What are preferences to economists and psychologists?; Dual-process models of behaviour and the role of the unconscious mind; Dual processing into policy using the MINDSPACE checklist; the role of emotions in decision making; compensating behaviours; breaking and creating habits.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 7 hours of seminars in the MT.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 piece of coursework in the MT.
Indicative reading
Dolan, P. (2014). Happiness by design: finding pleasure and purpose in everyday life. London: Allen Lane.
Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking Fast and Slow. London: Penguin Books
Gneezy U, Meier S, Rey-Beil P (2011), “When and Why Incentives (Don’t) Work to Modify Behavior”, Journal of Economic Perspectives, 25(4):191-210.
DellaVigna, S. (2007). "Psychology and Economics: Evidence from the Field". NBER Working Paper No. 13420.
Dolan, P., Hallsworth, M., Halpern, D., King, D., Metcalfe, R., Vlaev, I. (2012). "Influencing Behaviour: The mindspace way". Journal of Economic Psychology, 33 (1): 264-277.
Dolan, P., Galizzi, M. (2015). "Like ripples on a pond: Behavioural spillovers and their implications for research and policy". Journal of Economic Psychology, 47: 1-16.
Assessment
Other (100%) in the MT.
Student performance results
(2014/15 - 2016/17 combined)
Classification | % of students |
---|---|
Distinction | 11.1 |
Merit | 67.5 |
Pass | 21.4 |
Fail | 0 |
Key facts
Department: Psychological and Behavioural Science
Total students 2017/18: Unavailable
Average class size 2017/18: Unavailable
Controlled access 2017/18: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Commercial awareness
- Specialist skills