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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Rachel McCloy
Email: r.a.mccloy@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module provides a broad overview of research in behavioural economics and the psychology of judgment and decision making and an understanding of how this research has been applied in real-life settings (e.g., public policy; marketing). 

Aims:

To give students a broad overview of research in behavioural economics and the psychology of judgment and decision making and an understanding of how this research has been applied in real-life settings (e.g., public policy; 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 a variety of individual and group activities. The module additionally provides an opportunity for students to improve their essay-writing skills, and gain experience in applying their psychological knowledge to address real-world issues. 

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. 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 and activities. These will be further supported by a mixture of follow-up activities and guided reading. During the course of the module, students will complete a written assignment. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		14
Guided independent study:		86
Total hours by term	0		0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

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

Formative assessment methods:

Class discussions and interactive activities.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

If a student fails the assignment, an alternative, equivalent assignment can be submitted.  The assignment and date of submission will be by arrangement with the Module Convenor and/or Programme Director. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 30 March 2023