Psychology BSc (Hons)

Module PY0502 - Individual Differences And Their Measurement

(20.00 Credits)

SYNOPSIS OF MODULE

This module explores a range of perspectives on the psychology of individual differences. This may include theories of personality, ability and intelligence, emotional intelligence and self-esteem. Psychometric issues surrounding psychometric test construction, reliability and validity are covered and training on test scale and score transformation is provided.

Lectures will provide the basic framework for syllabus topics. Workshops and tutorials are designed to increase students' depth and breadth of knowledge by allowing for the discussion and experience of topics and methods. The module will be assessed by coursework (2 lab reports) and examination (2 one hour exams).



INDICATIVE READING LIST OR OTHER LEARNING RESOURCES

Cohen, R.J. & Swerdlik, M.E. (2010). Psychological Testing and Assessment: An introduction to tests and measurement (7th Edition) New York: McGraw Hill

Hamilton, C.J. (2008). Cognition and Sex Differences. Basingstoke: Palgrave and Macmillan

Maltby, J., Day, L., & Macaskill, A. (2010) Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence. (2nd Edition) London: Pearson Education.

Rust, J. & Golombok, S (2009) Modern Psychometrics - The Science of Psychological Assessment (3rd Edition) London and New York: Routledge



OUTLINE SYLLABUS

Introduction to Individual Differences - what is meant by individual differences, basic concepts and research methods used in the study of individual differences
Historical and theoretical approaches to intelligence
The roles of heredity and environment in determining differences in intelligence and cognition
A process oriented approach to individual differences in cognition and intelligence
Between-sex and within-sex individual differences in intelligence and cognition
Personality and cognition.
Assessment of intelligence and personality including fairness and ethics.
Current trends and implications arising from the study of individual differences.
Examines personality from early theories to current thinking with particular emphasis on key issues/debates and the application of personality theory in the real world.
Test classification
Issues in measurement, standardisation and interpretation of test scores
Test reliability and validity
Applications of psychometric testing
Psychometrics and IT
Providing feedback to a client



AIMS OF MODULE

This module will introduce students to the main approaches to understanding intelligence, personality and psychometrics, within the context of individual differences. The module will examine the theoretical approaches to intelligence; the nature of intelligence and personality; the theory of psychometrics; the limitations and implications of different approaches; the issue of bias in psychometric testing; and current trends and applications of intelligence and personality theory and methods of assessment


LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:-
(1) Identify and evaluate the key issues, debates and controversies inherent in the study of individual differences
(2) Understand the concepts of reliability, validity, standardisation and norming, as well as maximal performance vs. typical performance as they apply to psychological testing
(3) Evaluate both (i) approaches to understanding intelligence and personality, and (ii) the construction and use of instruments of assessment in this area; and
(4) Demonstrate critical awareness of the applications of research into individual differences
(5) Demonstrate understanding of non-experimental research designs
(6) Evaluate and understand journal articles
(7) Demonstrate an ability to engage in reflexive self-awareness in order to clearly articulate personal strengths, key skills and competencies.



PREREQUISITES

Psychological Research Methods and Analysis


COREQUISITE(S)

None


DISTANCE LEARNING DELIVERY

N/A


LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY

Lectures will provide the basic framework for syllabus topics and the guided direction necessary to develop familiarity with the individual differences literature and published research. Labs and tutorials are active learning sessions designed to increase students' depth and breadth of knowledge by giving practical experience of psychometric measurement, calculations and interpretation, along with discussion and debate with regard to topics and methods. Students will have the opportunity to handle primary source material, comprehend and use data effectively, to understand, analyse and present data sets. They will be required to work sensitively in groups, dyads and teams, learning to be sensitive to interpersonal differences and observing ethical codes associated with test use. Module will have electronic learning support via Blackboard.


ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK STRATEGY

During the course formative assessment will be provided through group discussion activities (using Blackboard in some cases) in which the research process is reflected upon.

Practical Component:
Assessment 1: One practical in ‘individual differences’, submitted in Semester 1 (worth 25% of the overall mark).
Students will carry out a non-experimental quantitative study with an individual differences factor (e.g., age, sex, gender, personality). The assignment will allow students to demonstrate the ability to: Identify and evaluate the key issues, debates and controversies inherent in the study of individual differences (LO1); evaluate both (i) approaches to understanding intelligence and personality, and (ii) the construction and use of instruments of assessment in this area (LO3); Demonstrate critical awareness of the applications of research into individual differences (LO4); demonstrate understanding of non-experimental research designs (LO5); evaluate and understand journal articles (LO6).


Assessment 2: One practical in ‘measurement’, submitted in Semester 2 (worth 25% of the overall mark). Students will complete an independent assignment that requires them to synthesize and interpret data effectively, draw conclusions and make critical judgments and evaluations. The assignment will allow students to demonstrate the ability to:
use and apply their understanding of the concepts of reliability, validity, standardization and norming, as well as maximal performance vs. typical performance as they apply to psychological testing (LO 2); evaluate both (i) approaches to understanding intelligence and personality, and (ii) the construction and use of instruments of assessment in this area (LO 3); evaluate and understand journal articles (LO6);


Two 1 hour unseen examinations,one taken in semester 1 and one taken in semester 2. Each examination will be worth 25% of the module marks.

The examination in semester 1 will enable students to demonstrate the ability to:
identify and evaluate key issues, debates and controversies inherent in the study of individual differences (LO 1);
evaluate approaches to understanding intelligence and personality (LO 3(i));
demonstrate critical awareness of the applications of research into individual differences (LO 4);
evaluate and understand journal articles (LO 6).

The examination in semester 2 will enable students to demonstrate the ability to:
show understanding of the concepts of reliability, validity, standardisation and norming, as well as maximal performance vs. typical performance as they apply to psychological testing (LO2)
evaluate and understand journal articles (LO 6).

The workshops will provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate an ability to engage in reflexive self-awareness in order to clearly articulate personal strengths, key skills and competencies (LO 7), but this learning outcome will not be formally assessed.

Formal feedback comments will be provided for the summative assessment outlined above. For the formative assessment, comments in class and posts on Blackboard will be shared with course instructors and classmates for their feedback.



IMPLICATIONS FOR CHOICE

None

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