Module manager: Dr Helen Hughes
Email: h.hughes.leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 Jul to 31 Aug View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
GPA of 2.5 (US) or equivalent and enrolled at a university
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This summer school offers students the chance to utilise the Business School’s Behaviour Lab, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to apply behavioural sciences in their careers and research. The module covers essential theories and concepts for careers in business, public policy, research, or consultancy. Key areas include: • Designing behavioural interventions and experiments • Analysing data and interpreting results with innovative approaches • Applying behavioural science theories to real-world challenges through case studies and lab-based learning You will deepen your understanding of behavioural science, enhance practical skills, and develop critical thinking to interpret data and recommend behavioural changes. Additionally, you will grasp the ethical and practical considerations in conducting behavioural research and interventions. Suitable for students from diverse backgrounds, the module is delivered through lectures, workshops, and computer cluster activities. Students will access the Behaviour Lab, engage with behavioural scientists, and participate in an industry-based fieldtrip to embed learning and bring real-world issues to life.
Proposed objectives:
The primary aim of this module is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of behavioural science and its practical applications. The module seeks to:
• Develop comprehensive understanding of the key theories, concepts, and principles of applied behavioural science and their practical applications in a variety of organisational settings.
• Gain hands-on experience in applying behavioural science methods and techniques to design, implement, and evaluate interventions that are designed to improve organisational outcomes and performance.
• Develop the critical thinking and analytical skills required to interpret and draw insights from behavioural data, and make recommendations that enable the changing of individual and organisational behaviour.
• Understand the ethical and practical considerations involved in conducting behavioural research and interventions, and how these principles can be applied responsibly and effectively by organisations.
Proposed aims:
The research objectives are focus on addressing four aims:
Develop Core Knowledge:
• Provide students with a solid foundation in key theories and concepts of applied behavioural science.
• Ensure students understand the principles and methodologies used in behavioural research.
Enhance Practical Skills:
• Train students in designing and implementing behavioural interventions and experiments.
• Develop students’ abilities to analyse data and interpret results using appropriate techniques and technologies.
Foster Research Competence:
• Prepare students to apply behavioural science approaches effectively, ethically, and responsibly.
• Enable students to utilise the Behaviour Lab for conducting their own research projects.
Promote Career Readiness:
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in business, public policy, research, or consultancy within the behavioural sciences.
Learning activities:
To achieve these aims and objectives, the module incorporates a variety of learning activities within the context of 3-hour seminar blocks:
Lectures:
• Lectures by internal speakers will provide foundational knowledge and introduce key theories and concepts.
• Lectures will also utilise insights from experienced behavioural scientists and industry professionals. These may include visits or pre-recorded interviews with external guest speakers.
Seminars:
• Facilitate hands-on learning through practical exercises and group activities.
• Encourage collaborative problem-solving and application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Allow students to engage directly with the Behaviour Lab’s resources and technology.
Practical tasks/fieldwork
• Offer training in data analysis and interpretation using software and tools.
• Provide opportunities for students to practice designing interventions and running experiments.
• Supply datasets for students to interpret, enhancing their analytical skills.
Fieldtrip (a standard requirement of LISS):
• Expose students to real-world applications of behavioural science in an organizational setting, and critically evaluate the challenges of doing so.
• Facilitate interactions with real-world organisations, to enhance learning and professional development of applied behavioural science.
By integrating these diverse learning activities, the module ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the practical skills and research competence necessary for success in the field of behavioural science.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically evaluate behavioural science theories and research findings.
2. Design an experiment that addresses a behavioural challenge in business, using lab-based methods.
3. Interpret behavioural data to enable meaningful insights into human behaviour.
4. Develop solutions to elicit behavioural change in organizations.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Work Ready Skills: Enhanced problem-solving and analytical skills from evaluating the consequences and trade-offs of different research design decision points. [This is directly assessed through the assignment.]
2. Academic Skills: Developed critical thinking by considering different approaches to the study of a research problem. [This is directly assessed through the assignment.]
3. Digital Skills: Demonstrated literacy in handling information and datasets. [This links to the successful completion of practicals and seminars, in which formative feedback is given.]
Technical Skills: Achieved proficiency in using software and technologies to design and host interventions and experiments. [This links to the successful completion of practicals and seminars, in which formative feedback is given.]
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Seminar | 8 | 3 | 24 |
| Independent online learning hours | 15 | ||
| Private study hours | 43 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 42 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
This module is built around providing students with regular opportunities for formative feedback in seminars and practicals, ensuring continuous support and guidance to enhance students’ understanding and performance. Lab-based practicals will offer students the chance to receive regular tutor feedback and provide checkpoints to ensure learning is on track. Students will be afforded supervised opportunities to work on their coursework within the Behaviour Lab, with a tutor on hand to assist.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Design and propose an experimental research study that investigates a specified behavioural problem, utilizing available resources. | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The format of the assignment is a 2000-word individual portfolio. Each student will work on the sections of portfolio before submitting it a single document at the end. The research problem that will form the basis of the assignment will be linked to the nature and topic of the fieldtrip. This approach allows students to engage deeply with each aspect of the research process, promoting critical thinking and self-reflection. It also provides a comprehensive assessment of their understanding and ability to apply behavioural science principles.
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 1/24/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team