Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2017 - 2018

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This advanced level module focuses on the scientific method of studying personality, intelligence and Individual differences. In this module students become familiar with the theories associated with these complex concepts, the issues and debates in these areas as well as the methodology for observing, describing and predicting behaviour; the psychometric model of individual differences. Students study the psychometric model in terms of its assumption that four aspects of individual difference will determine a person's behaviour in a particular situation: their personality traits; their ability traits; their mood states and; their motivational states.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the importance of factor analysis to the psychometric model of individual differences
2. Assess the relationship between personality traits and the biology of the nervous system and the brain in disputing the objections levelled against trait theory
3. Critique the psychometric theories of intelligence and ability and the hypotheses that intelligence may be linked to the biology of the central nervous system and is influenced by genetic factors
4. Explain the psychology of mood and motivational states and the correlates of mood variability
5. Evaluate the usefulness of valid and reliable personality and intelligence tests in applied psychology
6. Under supervision: plan; execute; and report the results of an online study, which has received ethical approval, of either personality or intelligence.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Tutorial	15	No Description
Online activity	60	No Description
Independent Study	300	No Description
Total Workload: 375

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

Unit 1: Introduction to Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence

Unit 2: Methodology: The Psychometric

Unit 3: Personality: Freudian and neo-Freudian perspectives

Unit 4: Methodology: Assessing Individual Differences

Unit 5: Personality: Learning Theory Perspective

Unit 6: Methodology: How to Write a Research Report

Unit 7: Personality: Humanism, Phenomenology and Cognitive Perspectives

Unit 8: Methodology: Factor Analysis

Unit 9: Personality: Trait Perspective

Unit 10: The Biological Basis of Personality

Unit 11: Mood and Motivation

Unit 12: Personality: More ideas and Debates

Unit 13: Intelligence: Traditional Models

Unit 14: Intelligence: Cognition – Biological, Genetic and Evolutionary Influences

Unit 15: Intelligence Broader Concepts

Unit 16: Intelligence: Issues in Intelligence Theory

Unit 17: Personality and Intelligence in the real world

Unit 18: Review

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	%	Examination Weight	%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

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

Maltby, J., Day, L., & Macaskill, A.: 2013, Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence, Third, Pearson Education Limited, Harlow,
Cooper, C.: 2015, Individual Differences, Third, Routledge, NY,

Other Resources

None

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