module specification

This module examines to what extent people’s judgments and decisions are as good as they could be, as well as the underlying processes involved in making them.  These might include cognitive, emotional, social and neuropsychological processes. Individual differences in decision making may also be examined.

Specific topics may be drawn from a variety of areas, including moral judgment, probability judgment, risk perception and risk-taking behaviour, financial decision making, consumer choice, forecasting, health-related judgments and decisions, environmental decisions, decision making in other species, and more.

The module aims to ensure that students understand normative theories of judgments and decisions (how things should be done), descriptive theories (how things are actually done), and prescriptive theories (improving the quality of judgments and decisions). Another aim of the class is to build upon students’ experience of critical reading and discussion: at least some sessions will be based around prior reading of research papers, involving discussions and presentations in class. This is valuable experience for students’ active participation in the workplace after graduation.

Moral judgment; probability judgment; preference and choice; decision analysis; decision making under risk and uncertainty; risk perception; naturalistic and dynamic decision making; group decision making; environmental decision making; game theory.

A key part of the module is independent reading by students prior to class discussion and presentations. This will be supported by lecture material. Students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate reflective learning in the form of submissions to a shared online space.

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

1. Distinguish between normative and descriptive theories in judgment and decision making;
2. Explain key theoretical concepts in the area;
3. Critically evaluate and discuss research evidence in the area.

The assessment strategy is reflective of the Learning & Teaching Strategy described above and addresses the Learning Outcomes in different ways. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning throughout the module, by completing a reflective learning log. They are encouraged to share material online, which may be (e.g.) interesting research papers they have found for themselves or examples of real-life judgments/decisions that have appeared in the news; some kind of additional commentary is expected, rather than just cutting-and-pasting the examples. Students may wish to comment on each other’s submissions. The final assessment is an essay of approximately 2000 words

Hardman, D. (2009). Judgment and Decision Making: Psychological Perspectives. Oxford: BPS-Blackwell. [Core]

Journal of Behavioral Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making (open access)
Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes
Psychological Bulletin
Psychological Review