Module PSYC2157: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Department: Psychology

PSYC2157: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Prerequisites

• Either (i) or (ii) or (iii) or (iv): (i) Level 1 modules to the value of 100 credits from C800 Psychology; OR (ii) Level 1 modules to the value of 100 credits from C817 Psychology (Applied); OR (iii) PSYC1062 IPR plus PSYC1071 Intro 1 and/or PSYC1081 Intro 2; OR (iv) PSYC1071 Intro 1 plus PSYC1081 Intro 2

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of theory and research in differential psychology, the study of psychological differences and similarities between people
• The module will facilitate an appreciation of different methodological approaches to individual differences including theoretical, biological and behavioural approaches

Content

• This module will cover historical and conceptual issues in differential psychology, particularly around personality (e.g. in anxiety, extraversion) and ability (e.g. in intelligence, navigation skills)
• It will introduce evidence for the underlying assumption that people vary on a range of psychological attributes, and that these differences can be measures and studied
• Students will acquire knowledge relating to the major theoretical approaches to individual differences in personality and ability
• They will develop understanding of the most important issues in personality and ability research, with a particular emphasis on heritability and the environment, and biological underpinnings (e.g. neurogenetics, neuropeptides, brain structure and function)
• They will also develop practical knowledge of the issues, surrounding measurement of psychological variables and basic skills in the administration and design of psychological tests
• The content will be delivered through weekly lectures
• Individual student support will be provided through a weekly surgery hour

Learning Outcomes

• A broad knowledge of theories of personality and individual differences in ability, with in-depth knowledge of some topics
• Knowledge and understanding of instruments and tools used in personality research (questionnaires, psychometrics, related statistics)

• Understand the relationship between theory and data, including the ability to evaluate theories and concepts
• Ability to formulate research questions and hypotheses

• Competent in written communication skills
• Competent IT skills in word processing and data presentation
• Effective retrieval and organisation of material
• Locate, read and review a body of research evidence
• Critical evaluation of the quality of evidence and arguments
• Ability to adopt different theoretical positions and see relationships between them

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Acquisition of knowledge and understanding in this area is facilitated by the material covered in lectures, and the provision of detailed reading lists. Evidence of wider reading (i.e. not in set reading) will be required for higher marks
• Knowledge and understanding will be assessed through examination
• The examination uses a multiple choice format to assess the breadth of knowledge of the full syllabus, and a written format to assess the ability to organise, review and evaluate evidence and theory, to provide critical appraisal, and to contrast theoretical positions
• Feedback on progress in the module will be provided via in-class activities
• Subject-specific and Key skills are fostered through lectures and discussion and will be assessed via the examination

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative exercises within lectures

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University