BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE INTERVENTIONS

“Research that produces nothing but books will not suffice.” — Kurt Lewin, 1946

Social psychology has a long tradition of turning research outward to understand and address real-world social problems. For example, using insights gleaned from theories of human behavior, scientists have designed programs, activities, and materials to reduce prejudice and conflict, narrow academic disparities, increase prosocial and pro-environmental behaviors, promote health and wellness, and more. In this seminar, we will explore the interdisciplinary science of harnessing psychology to change people and society for the better. We will discuss theoretical, methodological, and practical issues that drive the design, implementation, and evaluation of social psychological and behavioral science interventions. Throughout the course, students will develop their own interventions targeting a social problem of their choice, with special attention to identifying the psychological underpinnings of the problem chosen, the theoretical basis for the intervention, and the design and evaluation of the intervention. This class focuses on social psychological and related behavioral science interventions; clinical interventions and therapies will not be discussed.