Empowering University Students: Documenting Academic Research for Behaviour Change

Lime has teamed up with the University students from Warwick’s Psychology Department for a groundbreaking research project.

The Lab convened at the University of Warwick’s Psychology Department this week to begin a groundbreaking new research project. Lime has teamed up with the University, employing two recent behavioural science graduates to scrutinise the Lime model of behavioural change and document the evidence base it’s built upon.

Unlock R&D is a readily accessible fund that encourages industry-academic collaborations aligned with the University of Warwick’s research strengths to drive partnerships based on community needs and generate positive outcomes through projects which hope to spark future relationships and opportunities to bid for funding.

In our case, this collaborative effort will leverage the power of academic research to fully document our framework for fostering positive behaviour change. By involving students in that process, the project not only empowers them as active participants in the research but also nurtures a culture of proactivity and social impact at the University.

The Power of Research

Behaviour change is a complex process that influences every aspect of our lives, from personal habits to societal norms. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and factors that drive behaviour is crucial in devising effective strategies for positive change. Academic research is fundamental in shedding light on these intricate dynamics, providing evidence-based insights to inform practical interventions.

Student Involvement

In this unique research project, university students are at the forefront of the documentation process. A hugely talented field of students at all levels –from recent graduates to PhD candidates– applied for the opportunity. After a series of interviews, two students, Emily Ashton and Mahek Chopra, were chosen, recognising their passionate approach to learning and desire to effect social change. Emily and Mahek have now begun analysing and summarising academic studies related to behaviour change under the guidance of Associate Professor Michaela Gummerman. By actively engaging with scholarly work and peer-reviewed research, the students aim to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter while contributing to a working model that describes our transformative approach, an approach already being used across various real-world projects we’ve designed and continue to deliver.

The Learning Experience

Beyond the academic aspects, this research project offers students invaluable learning experiences and the opportunity to build on their academic skills in readiness for the workplace. Working as a team, they’ll collaborate, debate, and critically assess the information available and then bring this back to us as their ‘client’. This enriching process hones their research skills and fosters a sense of responsibility and purpose. Students feel empowered by the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a real-world challenge and positively impact society.

Advancing the Model

The compiled academic research will underpin and, no doubt, enhance our behaviour change model, enabling us to better articulate why what we do works so well. As students synthesise findings from diverse disciplines such as psychology, sociology, neuroscience, and public health, they hope to uncover patterns and correlations that might be instrumental in helping us to design even more effective behaviour change interventions.

Beyond Academia

The implications of this research project extend far beyond the confines of academia. By tapping into the potential of university students, the initiative promotes a culture of active citizenship and social engagement. Empowered with the knowledge and tools to drive positive change, these students hope to become catalysts for transforming their communities and inspiring others to take action.

The collaboration between organisations like ours, university students, and academic research is, we hope, a testament to the power of collective efforts in shaping a better world and a route to having an even more significant impact. As the behaviour change model continues to take shape, it holds the potential to revolutionise how we approach challenges and create lasting, positive transformations in individuals and society as a whole. We’re excited to share further details in the weeks to come. Watch this space!

To find out more, please get in touch with us at: chat@engagelime.com or here

Written by:

Mark Ashfield