Personality and Individual Differences

Code

PSGY4028

School

Psychology

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

The module covers the psychological explanations of personality and individual differences. In this module the relationship between the individual and society will be highlighted. In particular the major personality theories are considered in detail and the application of these theories to areas such as abnormal psychology and health psychology are discussed. IQ is also covered and evolutionary bases of traits.

Target Students

Diploma in Psychology (conversion) and Masters (conversion) in psychology students

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 5 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks

Assessment

• 33% Exam 1 (0-hour-30-minute): In person ExamSys
• 67% Exam 2 (1-hour): Written Exam

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge and Understanding
i. Demonstrate understanding of the dominant approaches to individual differences, personality and IQ,
ii. Demonstrate knowledge of research methods and paradigms used in the study of individual differences, personality and IQ,
iii. Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical bases of personality,
iv.. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical bases individual differences in IQ,
v. Demonstrate understanding of the application of personality and individual differences to areas of health,occupational psychology and abnormal psychology

2. Intellectual Skills
i. Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence
ii. Can adopt multiple perspectives
iii. Can pose and operationalise research questions
iv. Provide evidence-based reasoning to establish the merits of competing psychological explanation
v. Produce written argument which shows critical appraisal and good understanding of the main issues central to the topics
vi. Develop a broader knowledge base of the subjects studies via independent and appropriate reading
vii. Integrate the theoretical and applied nature of the topics where appropriate
viii. Provide evidence and support to argue the merits of the various approaches to personality in psychology
ix. Appropriately interpret findings from studies of personality within health, occupational, criminological and abnormal psychology in relation to hypothesis testing, methods, and analysis

3. Transferable (key) Skills
i. Can communicate ideas and research findings both effectively and fluently
ii. Can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions and evaluating outcomes
iii. Can undertake self-directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives
iv. Evidence of academic skills (essay writing, library research, independent study) (i) Demonstrate evidence-based analysis and critical appraisal (ii) Supply formal presentation and argument in analysis of evidence (iii) Produce well-organised and structured written work (iv) Work independently (v) Perform effective literature searches (vi) Present written argument in concise and time-restricted manner

Conveners

• Dr Laura Blackie
• Professor Eamonn Ferguson