prof. dr. E.M. (Linda) Steg

Master Environmental Psychology at the University of Groningen  

From September 2016, you can enrol in the Master programme Environmental Psychology at the University of Groningen.

Climate change is seen as the greatest threat to our future and that of generations to come (Obama, 2015). In recognition of this threat, almost 200 nations agreed to combat environmental problems. It is widely acknowledged that social sciences have an important role to play in this respect. To combat climate change, it is crucial to understand what motivates people to act pro-environmentally, and which strategies are effective and acceptable to encourage pro-environmental actions. In the Master programme “Environmental Psychology”, students acquire knowledge and skills that enable them to understand the human dimension of environmental and energy problems. After completing the programme, students are able to develop, test and apply theories in the field of Environmental Psychology and to examine the effects and acceptability of theory-based interventions to enhance environmental quality. Career prospects include, among others, pursuing a PhD in Environmental Psychology, conducting research at an institute for applied sciences, consultancy on environmental issues, environmental communication and education, policy advisor or environmental policy making, and behavioural expert in environmental or energy organisations.

Bachelor courses

Applied Social Psychology (B2-4)

This course gives an overview of how social psychological theories and methods can be applied to understand and change social behaviour. We will discuss the possible contributions of social psychologists to help solve social problems in various domains, among which education, ethnic minorities, environment, health care, traffic and transport, consumer behaviour, economic behaviour, political behaviour, and organisational behaviour. We will demonstrate how interventions aimed at behaviour change can be developed, implemented and evaluated based on social psychological theories and research. 
 
Literature:

Steg, L., Buunk, A.P., & Rothengatter, J.A. (Eds., 2008). Applied social psychology: understanding and managing social problems. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Literature: Reader with selected papers.
 
Instructors: Linda Steg and others

Coordinator: Linda Steg

Credits: 5 ECTS
Period: block 2b. 

Consumer and economic psychology

This course examines the psychological processes underlying economic and consumer behaviour and discusses individual, social and cultural factors that influence these processes. Effects of information and experiences with products and services on affect (emotions), cognitions (beliefs and judgements) and behaviour (purchase decisions and consumption-related practices) are discussed. We demonstrate that economic theories are often not accurate in explaining everyday behaviour, and why individuals often not make ‘rational’ decisions.

Literature: Reader with selected papers.

Instructors: Berfu Unal, Linda Steg and others

Coordinator: Linda Steg

Credits: 5 ECTS
Period: block 1b.