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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The aim of this module is to provide a theoretical and research-based understanding of individual differences. The module will also provide a critical understanding of the principles of measurement and psychometric testing in the study of individual differences.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss psychological theories relevant to individual differences
2. Discuss how individual differences explain and predict behaviour and outcomes in applied contexts (e.g. health, social, educational, organizational).
3. Discuss the principles and methods of psychological measurement and psychometrics
4. Critically appraise the application of psychological tests and assessments across a number of applied settings
5. Critically discuss the ethical and professional issues in individual differences, psychological assessment and measurement



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture10In Person Lectures: attendance at lectures addressing indicative syllabus
Laboratory20Face-to-Face synchronous practical classes
Assignment Completion45Preparation and write-up
Independent Study50Self-directed reading
Total Workload: 125

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

Approaches to personality (biological, cognitive, humanistic or traits)

Approaches to intelligence and cognitive function (definitions, nature, influences on)

Approaches to individual differences (cognitive style, motivation, emotion, mood)

Influences of personality, intelligence and individual differences on health and wellbeing

Importance of psychological measurement, psychometrics and assessment

Psychometric testing

Reliability and validity

Test design

Measuring intelligence, cognition, personality and individual differences

Current debates (e.g. nature-nurture, idiographic-nomothetic debates)

Ethical and professional issues

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Cooper, C.: 0, Individual Differences and Personality,, Taylor & Francis,, UK,
  • Miller LA, Lovler RL: 2016, Foundations of Psychological Testing: A Practical Approach,, 5th, SAGE, London, UK,
  • Coaley, K.: 2014, An Introduction to Psychological Assessment and Measurement, SAGE, London, UK,
  • Cohen, R. J., & Werdlik, M. E.: 2012, Psychological Testing and Assessment, McGraw Hill, Maidenhead, UK,
  • Cooper, C.: 2012, Intelligence and Abilities, Taylor & Francis, UK,
  • Furr, R. M.: 2011, Scale Construction and Psychometrics for Social and Personality Psychology, SAGE, London, UK,
  • Furr, R. M., & Bacharach, V. R.: 2014, Psychometrics: An Introduction, SAGE, London, UK,
  • Groth-Marnat, G.: 2009, Handbook of Psychological Assessment5TH, John Wiley & Sons, New York, US,
  • Haslam, N., Smillie, L., Roberts, R. D., Bates, T., Song, J.: 2017, An Introduction to Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence, SAGE, London, UK,
  • Maltby, J., Day, L. & Macaskill, A.: 2017, Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence, Pearson Education, Uk,
  • Van Ornum, B., Dunlap, L. L., & Shore, M.: 2008, Psychological Testing Across The Lifespan,, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, US,
Other Resources

None
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