Psychology of Safety

The module aims to provide insight into the psychological processes:

-  shaping individual responses to risks and safety issues; 

-   associated with interpersonal and intergroup conflict; 

-   underlying group processes and crowd behaviour in the safety domain; 

-   surrounding societal interventions designed to enhance safety.

The module “Psychology of Safety” consists of two components:

a. Theory (lectures and tutorials)

b. Research and Development (R & D; project meetings + presentation session)

“Theory” component

During the lectures, elementary psychological theories on responses to physical and social safety issues, and on intervention strategies in the safety domain will be put forward. The lectures will build on the department’s research that is conducted in collaboration with national and international partners such as law enforcement authorities, the Legal Aid Council, the National Crisis Center, various Ministries, and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. The theory lectures will be supplemented by lectures of expert guests that illustrate the application of the theories in particular safety contexts. Examples are: interventions in legal conflicts; conflict management and bio fuel; internet, social media and (criminal) behaviour; risk psychology and persuasive technology.

The tutorials consist of hands-on training sessions and practical knowledge exchange focused on the application of technology in research in the safety domain along the three lines sketched above. The study material consists mainly of a selection of scientific articles.

“Research and Development” component (project)

The project of this module will focus on technological tools (such as GPS-trackers) as means to observe and study human behaviour in a safety setting. Students are required to write a research report on their findings, and to present their findings.