Personality and Individual Differences

Code

PSGY2017

School

Psychology

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring Malaysia

Summary

A lot of what we study in psychology concerns ways in which we're all the same: basic emotions, learning principles, cognitive processes such as short-term memory. But one of the most interesting questions in psychology is: Why are people different from each other? Why are some people confident whereas others are shy? Why do some people love school whereas others struggle? Why are some people friendly and kind whereas others are the opposite? And to what extent are the differences between individuals due to nature and genes vs. nurture and upbringing?
This module will provide an overview of research and theory on individual differences, with a particular focus on personality and intelligence. It will also explore real-world applications of this knowledge for the workplace, health, and mental health, and examine the evolutionary origins of individual differences. Recurring themes will include the nature, nurture, and neurobiology of individual differences, and individual differences in other animals.
 

Target Students

Second year BSc (Hons) Psychology and BSc (Hons) Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience students.Also available to second year or third year students from other schools.

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks

Assessment

• 100% Exam (1-hour-30-minute): one 1.5 hr exam, 30 MCQ and 1 essay

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, criminal behaviour, occupational psychology and abnormal psychology

2. Intellectual Skills
i. Reason scientifically and demonstrate the relationship between theory and evidence
ii. Adopt multiple perspectives
iii. 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 Steve Stewart-Williams