Institute of Continuing Education (ICE)
Submitted by Paul Ireland on Wed, 29/03/2017 - 14:26
Learn about the psychology of politics (and other fascinating topics) at the Institute of Continuing Education’s Open Day – Saturday 1 April, Madingley Hall
Psychology and neuroscience could help us to understand how we voted in the Brexit referendum, says ICE psychologist De Lee de-Wit.
Britain’s decision to leave the EU is just one of several topics Dr de-Wit will touch upon in a fascinating talk ‘The Psychology of Politics’ at Madingley Hall next Saturday.
“People who identify as right-wing are often more sensitive to threat at a basic physiological level,” he says. “This difference could influence the way people think about society and help us understand why we vote differently.”
Dr de-Wit will also explore how politicians use psychology to sway voters when he gives his talk at the Institute of Continuing Education’s Open Day.
“Politicians now employ behavioural insights in psychology to influence people,” he adds. “It’s not just about winning votes, it can be useful in implementing policies such as encouraging people to recycle or pay their taxes on time. In addition to understanding how our psychology affects our political decisions and how politicians are using it, this session will explore how the science of voting might help us to see each others’ points of view.”
As well as psychology, the Open Day, which is completely free to attend, includes equally intriguing taster sessions in history, genetics, creative writing, archaeology, history of art, literature and the classics.
“This day is a fantastic opportunity to learn something new,” says ICE’s Director of Programmes Emma Jennings. “It’s a wonderfully varied day – whether you’re interested in the psychology of politics, writing children’s books, understanding migration, exploring genome technology – we really can guarantee something for everyone.”
ICE’s Open Day at Madingley Hall runs from 9.30am to 5pm and is completely free to attend. For details and bookings visit www.ice.cam.ac.uk/OpenDay. Join the conversation on Twitter #ICEOpenDay
ICE’s annual Open Day takes place from 9.30am to 5pm, on Saturday 1 April at Madingley Hall, Cambridge. There will be numerous photo opportunities of taster classes and coaching sessions as well as walks and tours of the hall and grounds. For further details please contact Paul Ireland, Communications and Marketing Manager on 01223 746417 or paul.ireland@ice.cam.ac.uk
Dr Lee de-Wit is Academic Director for Psychology at the Institute of Continuing Education.
The Institute of Continuing Education is part of the University of Cambridge and runs a wide variety of courses for professional development and personal interest.
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