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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PSYC3421 Joint Hons/Intercalated Programme Individual Differences

10 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Martin Farrell
Email: M.J.Farrell@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of Level 1 & 2 Medicine or Dentistry MChD or BChD
or
Successful completion of all pass for progression modules in Level 2 of BA Philosophy, Psychology & Scientific thought (and its International and Industrial variants)

This module is mutually exclusive with

PSYC2521Individual Differences

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

A historical and contemporary approach to understanding individual differences in human cognition, wellbeing and performance.The module will be taught by a team of experts in the subject. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of this discipline with particular emphasis on the research expertise of the module team.

Objectives

The course will present introductory and mid-level material relating to the psychology of individual differences. This will include consideration of historical perspectives, social implications, and application domains. By the end of the course students should have an understanding of the key constructs, be able to critically evaluate opposing theoretical positions, be able to place the study of individual differences in a historixcal perspective, have a critical appreciation of societal implications of topics covered, and have a critical understanding of example domains of application.
In addition, students shouldl be able to provide a brief written critique of relevant published work.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this course students should have a critical appreciation of the main approaches to the study of individual differences. They will understand the fundamental nature of these constructs, be aware of different theoretical perspectives, know how current views have been formed, and be aware of the application of these constructs in different ‘real world’ settings. They will understand how genetic, biological, social and developmental contributions to individual differences can be studied and know key research outcomes. They will also have an awareness of societal implications relating to this area of study.
The knowledge outcomes will be assessed in an end of module exam, with a MCQ component to assess breadth and a choice of 3 long essay style questions.
In addition, students will be able to provide a brief written critique of relevant published work.

Skills outcomes
Successful completion of the module will encourage the development of skills in the critical analysis of relevant published research, and in literature search.


Syllabus

Historical perspective on the psychology of individual differences.
Overview of theoretical perspectives on personality and intelligence, as well as more contemporary biological and genetic approaches to individual differences in human performance. The relative contributions of nature and nurture to individual differences will be discussed and developmental issues presented.
Applied approaches to individual differences will be discussed in terms of: Health and wellbeing; Decision making; Psychological aspects of sport and motor performance; and Educational settings.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Revision Class11.001.00
Drop-in Session11.001.00
Lecture101.5015.00
Tutorial11.001.00
Private study hours82.00
Total Contact hours18.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

- 40 hours: 10 x 4 hours preparation for each lecture
- 10 hours: preparation for mid-module MCQ
- 28 hours: preparation for the mid-semester critique and end of semester exam
- 4 hours: tutorial preparation

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will have an MCQs mid term test in order to test their knowledge.
Submission of the coursework (500-word assignment) is compulsory to pass this module.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Assignment500 word critique - compulsory20.00
In-course MCQ.0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)20.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)2 hr 00 mins80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)80.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 26/04/2017

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