PSY2004 : Individual Differences
PSY2004 : Individual Differences
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- 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 | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Successful completion of any of Newcastle University psychology programmes at Stage 1
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
None
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
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
1. To be able to relate individual differences in personality and cognition to underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
2. To be able to identify and discuss the ethical and methodological challenges that surround the assessment of individual differences in personality and cognition.
3. To develop an awareness of the issues of reliability and validity that underlie individual difference research.
4. To be able to synthesise and link research relating personality to adult health and other outcomes.
Intended Skill Outcomes
1. To be able to critically evaluate research on individual differences.
2. To be able to summarise both sides of current controversies in the personality and cognition literatures.
3. To be able to critically examine the grounds for knowledge claims in the area of individual differences.
4. To be able to competently analyse and synthesise empirical evidence when evaluating theories of individual differences.
5. To be able to critically consider and discuss purported health and social implications of individual differences research.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | Present in person |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Preparing and completing coursework assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Synchronous Online: positive hands-on experience with existing online measures of personality |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 46 | 1:00 | 46:00 | General Reading and revision |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Present in person: Small group session (essay coursework formative feedback session) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Synchronous Online. Support for essay assignments |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Present in person: student led small group session (essay coursework peer support session) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Synchronous Online. Introduction to Module and Assessment |
| Total | 100:00 |
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.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 45 | 2 | A | 50 | PIP Inspera invigilated. MCQs (45), unseen |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 50 | 1000 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.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY2004's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PSY2004's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.