Lectures

The following courses are offered by the staff of the Chair of Consumer Research:

For all inquiries regarding teaching, please contact: vuv-lehre@fb09.uni-giessen.de

(This is a summary of the module contents. For a more detailed description of the modules, please refer to the module handbook. All modules are held in German.)

Bachelor Modules

Core Modules

BK-064 "Consumer Behavior" (Winter Semester)

In the module "Consumer Behavior," you will learn theories from economics and psychology that explain individual behaviors in the context of consumption. You will explore the fundamentals of consumer behavior, the internal influences on consumer behavior (such as emotions), and the external influences (such as the social environment). Additionally, you will engage with empirical studies and practical examples from everyday life, allowing you to apply the content to both research and daily life.

Photo by Veronika Koroleva
on Unsplash

BK-075 "Introduction to Empirical Social Research" (Summer Semester)

In the module "Introduction to Empirical Social Research," you will learn the theoretical foundations of social research, with a focus on the perspectives, similarities, and differences between qualitative and quantitative research. Additionally, this module provides an introduction to systematic literature research. You will gain a basic understanding of theory development and related data collection and analysis methods, apply them practically, and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages. This module serves as a solid preparation for the Bachelor's thesis.

Photo by rivage on Unsplash

Profile Modules

BP-137 "People-Planet Interactions" (Winter Semester)

In the module "People-Planet Interactions," you will study the impact of the environment on humans and the impact of humans on the environment. You will work independently as well as in groups to explore theories from economics and psychology that explain environmentally relevant behavior. Through empirical studies, practical examples, and creative tasks, which you will discuss and present in the plenary, you will apply what you have learned to research and your own daily life.

Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen
on Unsplash

Master Modules

Core Modules

MK-075 "Methods of Consumer Research" (Winter Semester)

The module "Methods of Consumer Research" builds on the foundations of empirical scientific work acquired during the Bachelor’s program and deepens this knowledge. It equips you with the skills to design quantitative questionnaires as well as develop and conduct behavioral experiments. The module emphasizes practical application, which is implemented in a group project. Moreover, it provides an excellent foundation for empirical Master's theses.

Photo by ODISSEI
on Unsplash

MK-105 "Theories of Consumer Behavior" (Summer Semester)

In the module "Theories of Consumer Behavior," you will study theories that explain consumer behavior and behavior change, with a focus on environment- and health-related behavior. The module covers the basics of working with theories as well as insights into various theories. Through practical exercises and worksheets, you will learn to apply these theories. Additionally, you will deepen your knowledge in the application of theories, scientific writing, and science communication.

Photo of Brendan Church
on Unsplash

Profile Modules

MP-172 "Nutrition and Health Behaviour Change" (Summer Semester)

In the module "Behavioral Changes in Nutrition and Health Behavior," you will acquire foundational and application-oriented knowledge to develop intervention programs for healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. You will learn to identify barriers and determinants of behavior, design tailored techniques for behavior change, and critically evaluate them.

Photo of Jon Tyson
on Unsplash

MP-173 "Sustainable Consumption" (Summer Semester)

In the module "Sustainable Consumption," you will explore the topic of sustainability from different perspectives, particularly how food waste can be explained and reduced through various psychological and economic theories. After being introduced to the scientific foundations of study development, you will work in groups to design your own intervention study, implement it, and reflect on its execution.

Photo of Paul
Schellekens on Unsplash

MP-174 "Healthy People - Healthy Planet" (Winter Semester)

In the module "Healthy People - Healthy Planet," you will analyze our food system in the context of current ecological and health challenges. You will develop a holistic understanding of the food system by considering various perspectives—from the individual to the economic and state level—and learn about different approaches to promote both human and planetary health.