MN4244 Behavioural Decision Making

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr C Akinci

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Cinla Akinci

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The aim of this module is to provide a critical examination of the rationality of choice and the nature of human judgement. The module explores factors that affect decision making in individual and organisational contexts, and introduces key concepts from decision making research. It draws upon material from a wide range of disciplines that include social/cognitive psychology, organisational behaviour and management. We examine the problem of determining 'better judgement', rationality and its limits, in a range of contexts, and explore the nature and effectiveness of intuitive inclinations. Students will be equipped to examine how the characteristics of the decision maker and the immediate environment can help or hinder judgements and decisions, and to develop an informed understanding of the ability of individuals and teams to make effective decisions.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS MN2001 AND PASS MN2002

Assessment pattern

Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 Hour combined Lecture and Seminar (x 10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

30

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

170

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical foundations of rational choice and ability to consider how these might be applied in practice
  • Develop an informed understanding of psychological processes that may lead to faulty choice or cognitive bias
  • Develop critical thinking to evaluate the benefits and pitfalls of intuitive judgement
  • Critically reflect on and be familiar with common decision traps
  • Apply psychological and organisational theories and concepts to evaluate decision making processes across a range of individual and organisational contexts
  • Recognise and evaluate decision environments that help people make better decisions