PY0659 - Consumer Psychology

On this module you will learn through a combination of lectures, in-class activities and tutorials, along with independent study.

You will attend a series of two-hour interactive lectures to learn about the main areas in which psychology can be applied to the study of consumer behaviour. These lectures will provide the basic framework for syllabus topics. The interactive elements will involve discussion of the application of particular topic areas introduced in the taught sessions. The aim of the interactive lectures is to consolidate information learnt through independent reading and to encourage you to apply your knowledge in a problem-based learning situation. You will have the opportunity for group discussion, enabling you to communicate your ideas and findings in a group setting, showing sensitivity to the perspectives of others. Effective oral and visual communication skills will be developed through such activities. Where relevant, experts from other disciplines (e.g. marketing and business) will provide input into the teaching of the module, through one-hour ‘career insight’ talks.

Directed study will be encouraged through the provision of reading lists, which will serve as a basis for further, independent study. This will be further encouraged through the provision of study questions and topics. Independent learning skills and reflection on the role and value of those skills will prepare you for career development learning.

Together, the learning strategies of lectures, workshops, directed and independent study aim to develop conceptual knowledge of the topic area and illustrate the range of paradigms and methods that can be used to investigate it. Tutorials will provide an opportunity for you to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

The module tutor will support you by making a variety of resources linked to the taught elements and assessments available on the e-learning portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, handouts, reading lists, directed assessment related-activities) along with links to websites to encourage further exploration of consumer psychology. A discussion board on the e-learning portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and to module tutors. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students. Technology enabled learning will be implemented through the use of Panopto lecture recording.
Tutorials can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MK1: You will be able to demonstrate conceptual knowledge of Consumer Psychology by critically discussing relevant theory, recent research and methodological approaches
• MK2: You should have the ability to apply relevant psychological concepts in the development of viable marketing strategies

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1: You will demonstrate key skills associated with psychology in a business context, including project management and effective communication skills and strategies
• MIP2: You will take charge of your own career development learning, through critical self-evaluation and reflection on the relevance of the module for career enhancement and future learning.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPV1: You will demonstrate the characteristics of a Northumbria psychology graduate through working collaboratively to find creative solutions in a problem-based learning environment, successfully communicating these solutions using the most appropriate formats and media

Formative Assessment
Formative assessments will comprise interim presentations of ideas, and group activities related to the final assessment. These will be evaluated by peers, and through discussion with the module tutor. (MIP1; MPV1)

Summative Assessment
The main assessment consists of one piece of individual written work (3500 words) worth 90% of the module mark. In a problem-based learning scenario, students will create a marketing campaign and include a rationale for this, presenting psychological research and theory in support of their approach. Students will be required to work in groups to devise a campaign, but the final assessed piece of work will be an individual assignment. (MK1; MK2; MIP1; MPV1)

The second assessment is a self-reflective account in which you will be asked to consider how this module has impacted on your employability and future career (MIP2). This will be worth 10% of the module mark.

Feedback
Formative assessments, the module tutor will provide immediate verbal feedback on top of peer feedback provided through discussion in group activities.

For the summative report, feedback will be provided on the electronic submission in the form of a level-specific rubric. Additional written comments will be provided that identify a minimum of one strength, one weakness and one area for improvement.

You will be required to arrange a tutorial with your personal guidance tutor for formal feedback on your reflection.

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Though lectures and interactive activities, the module examines the various factors affecting consumer behaviour, and explores how people interact with marketing systems. It specifically aims to investigate how the core areas of psychology can be applied in this context. It will draw on areas such as; cognitive psychology (e.g. memory and attention); Social Psychology (e.g. the role of culture, group behaviour, loyalty); Developmental Psychology (e.g. how children function as consumers) and Individual Differences (e.g. emotion, attitudes, motivations) as well as exploring contemporary issues such as behaviour change and online behaviour. Additional lectures will be provided by experts from other disciplines (e.g. marketing and business)
The module is assessed in two parts; 1) a marketing campaign accompanied by a rationale for your marketing choices. 2) A reflective account which evaluates the skills you have gained through the module and how these may be applied to your degree pathway and wider career.