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Kies de Nederlandse taal
Course module: 201500812
201500812
Nudging
Course info
Course code201500812
EC5
Course goals
The course is taught in English. See the course manual for further details.

At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1.    Explain, connect and reflect on different theories related to behavior and behavior change strategies
2.    Identify relevant criteria for nudges and understand their working mechanisms
3.    Distinguish between different categories and types of nudges
4.    Recognize different points of view in the academic and societal debate about nudging, and formulate their own standpoints
5.    Communicate with relevant parties and develop a nudge to influence behavior in a self-chosen setting
 
Relation between learning goals and examination

Learning goals 1-4 involve understanding, application, and analysis of conceptual knowledge. These goals are assessed in the written exam. Learning goal 5, addressing the ability to create new solutions based on the application and integration of acquired knowledge, is assessed in the assignment: students develop a nudge based on wishes and/or requirements from a relevant organization, and (orally) present their work in a format that would be appropriate for this organization as well.
Content
If unhealthy food is placed further away, people will eat less of it; a painted fly in a urinal will prevent men from spilling; and placing trees closer to the edge of a road will reduce driving speed. Small, smart adjustments in the environment that subtly affect people’s default choices have demonstrated to yield impressive results in a broad range of behavioral domains. Importantly, this specific intervention strategy, known as nudging, departs from other intervention techniques as it does not rely on persuasion, but makes use of psychological insights showing that people are often not very rational, but rather make impulsive choices (‘go with the default’). That is, without interfering with autonomy or freedom of choice, nudges aim to make it easier for people to perform a specific behavior, rather than convince them what is ‘right’. Not surprising then, it has recently sparked the interest of policy makers and a large number of public organizations.
 
This course will focus on the use of nudging as a novel strategy to adapt behavior, with a particular focus on the area of health and well-being.  We address the theoretical background of nudges in comparison to other approaches for behavior modification, and incorporate empirical work providing insight into working mechanisms and (boundary conditions for) the effectiveness of nudges. In addition, taking a more practical approach, students will be challenged to think about the design of a nudge, the implementation issues that may come along with it, and the requirements for a proper evaluation of its effectiveness. Finally, the course will address the topical academic and societal debate about nudging and the role of various institutions in promoting health and well-being, including ethical considerations.
 
Nudging strategies will be examined in different contexts, including private settings, public spaces, health care, schools and work settings. The course has a strong focus on connecting theory and practice and aims to involve international partners and societal organizations working in the field of health promotion.
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Kies de Nederlandse taal