Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2022 - 2023
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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 and ability traits and to a lesser extent their mood and motivational states. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 how mood/motivational states and situational factors influence the behavioural manifestation of personality and intelligence 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities - Introduction to Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence- Methodology: The Psychometric- Intelligence: Traditional Models- Intelligence: Cognition – Biological, Genetic and Evolutionary Influences- Methodology: Assessing Individual Differences- Intelligence Broader Concepts- Intelligence: Issues in Intelligence Theory- Intelligence in the real world- Methodology: How to Write a Research Report- Personality: Freudian and neo-Freudian perspectives- Personality: Learning Theory Perspective- Personality: Trait Perspective- Personality: Resilience- Methodology: Factor Analysis- The Biological Basis of Personality- Personality: Humanism, Phenomenology and Cognitive Perspectives- Personality: More ideas and Debates- Personality in the Real World- Mood and Motivation- Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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