Module: Advanced Psychometric Profiling: Innovations in online human data mining

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced Psychometric Profiling: Innovations in online human data mining
Module Code	PSY1101
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will provide students with advanced knowledge on modern psychometric methods. Students will learn about the latest developments in psychometric methods and regulation, latest techniques for psychometric assessment online and the practical and ethical implications of leveraging big data in the context of psychometric profiling.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate a range of theories and methods used in measuring behaviour, personality, intelligence and individual differences.
2. Discuss advanced psychometric principles and theory
3. Discuss new methods of digital psychometric measurement
4. Discuss practical and ethical implications of psychometric profiling and the use of big data in applied settings

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	11	Combination of synchronous and asynchronous content
Laboratory	18	Challenge Based Approach; Collaborative Skills; Application Skills; Interpretation Skills
Directed learning	12	Guided practical preparation activities and online activities
Assignment Completion	32	Preparation, writing of practical (background, method, results and discussion)
Independent Study	52	Self directed reading
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21174	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Report(s)	Laboratory Report	50%	n/a
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The history and evolution of psychometric testing

Psychometric principles (reliability, validity, standardisation, equivalence)

Psychometric measurement and classical test theory

Item response theory and computer adaptive testing

Digital footprints and psychometrics

Artificial intelligence and psychometrics

Big data and data profiling

Personality assessment and understanding behaviour using big data, sensing methods and machine learning

Applying psychometric principles to algorithm-based, sensed behavioural and big data applications

Professional, ethical, social/societal and practical implications

Indicative Reading List

Books:

John Rust, Michal Kosinski, David Stillwell: 2020, Modern Psychometrics, Routledge, 9781138638655
Coaley, K.: 2014, An Introduction to Psychological Assessment and Measurement, Sage, London,
Cohen, R. J., & Werdlik, M. E.: 2017, Psychological Testing and Assessment, 9th, McGraw-Hill, Maidenhead.,
Cooper, C.: 2012, Intelligence and Abilities, Taylor & Francis Group, Abingdon, 978-0415188692
Furr, R. M., & Bacharach, V. R.: 2018, Psychometrics: An Introduction, 3rd, Sage, Los Angelos,
Goldfinger, K.: 2019, Psychological testing in everyday life: history, science, and practice, Sage, Los Angelos,
Groth-Marnat, G. Wright, A.J.: 2016, Handbook of psychological assessment, 6th ed., John Wiley and Sons, New Jersey, USA,
Lund, N.: 2010, Intelligence and Learning, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, 978-0230249448
Miller LA, Lovler RL: 2019, Foundations of Psychological Testing: A Practical Approach, 6th, Sage Publications,

Articles:

Rauthmann, JF: 2020, Special Issue: Behavioral Personality Science in the age of big data., European Journal of Personality, 34(5), 591-944,

Other Resources

None