Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2019 - 2020

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	Online distance learning tutorials
Online activity	60	Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media
Independent Study	300	Using self-directed learning resources, textbooks and other resources
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

Part 1:

- Introduction to Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence

- Methodology: The Psychometric

- Personality: Freudian and neo-Freudian perspectives

- Methodology: Assessing Individual Differences

- Personality: Learning Theory Perspective

- Methodology: How to Write a Research Report

Part 2:

- Personality: Humanism, Phenomenology and Cognitive Perspectives

- Methodology: Factor Analysis

- Personality: Trait Perspective

- The Biological Basis of Personality

- Mood and Motivation

Part 3:

- Personality: More ideas and Debates

- Intelligence: Traditional Models

- Intelligence: Cognition – Biological, Genetic and Evolutionary Influences

- Intelligence Broader Concepts

- Intelligence: Issues in Intelligence Theory

- Personality and Intelligence in the real world

- 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.: 2017, Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence, 4th Ed, Pearson Education Limited, Harlow,
Cooper, C.: 2015, Individual Differences, 3rd Ed, Routledge, New York,

Other Resources

None

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