Module Catalogue

PSY2004 : Individual Differences

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Margreet Vogelzang
  • Owning School: Psychology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

To review the modern study of individual differences in psychology, with particular reference to:

(a)       validity and reliability in the measurement of individual differences;
(b)       the main theories of individual differences;
(c)       the relationships between individual differences, health and psychopathology

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics to be covered include:
Methods for measuring individual differences; Personality and health; Intelligence; Cognition and its subcomponents; Emotional Intelligence; Neurobiological underpinnings of individual differences; Developmental influences on personality and cognition

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion301:0030:00Preparing and completing coursework assessment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture92:0018:00Present in person
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading461:0046:00General Reading and revision
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical11:001:00Synchronous Online: positive hands-on experience with existing online measures of personality
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching11:001:00Present in person: Small group session (essay coursework formative feedback session)
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity11:001:00Present in person: student led small group session (essay coursework peer support session)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery21:002:00Synchronous Online. Support for essay assignments
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesModule talk11:001:00Synchronous Online. Introduction to Module and Assessment
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures, module talk and readings form the core factual content of the course. The lecture materials are used as the most effective mode of imparting the core knowledge of the module. Related practical sessions provide students with the opportunity to get hands-on experience to assist their understanding of individual differences and to assist the preparation of their coursework assessment. Private study is essential for in-depth review of knowledge imparted through lecture materials. Finally, students will also take part in small group sessions designed to support them throughout the preparation of their coursework.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination452A50PIP Inspera invigilated. MCQs (45), unseen
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2M501000 word essay
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The Digital examination will test the students' independent learning and understanding of individual differences across the breadth of module content. Students’ knowledge and understanding of individual differences are assessed in greater depth through an essay that is supported by small-group sessions.

If the module is failed or deferred students will resit failed or deferred assessments in the same format during the August resit period.

Reading Lists

Timetable