2024/25 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 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
Successful completion of Level 1 & 2 Medicine or Dentistry MChD or BChDor
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
| PSYC2521 | Individual 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 historical perspective, have a critical appreciation of societal implications of topics covered, and have a critical understanding of example domains of application.In addition, students should 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 type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Revision Class | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.50 | 15.00 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Private study hours | 83.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 17.00 | ||
| 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 formative assessment (concept maps)
- 28 hours: preparation for the mid-semester critique and end of semester exam
- 5 hours: tutorial preparation
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Formative feedback will be provided via the completion of partially completed concept maps illustrating the interconnections between important ideas covered the first 5 lectures. Practice MCQs will be provided at the end of the module to help students prepare for the exam.Submission of the coursework (500-word assignment) is compulsory to pass this module.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | 500 word critique - compulsory | 20.00 |
| Assignment | Completion of partially completed concept maps | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20.00 | |
Formative feedback will be provided via the completion of partially completed concept maps illustrating the interconnections between important ideas covered the first 5 lectures. Practice MCQs will be provided at the end of the module to help students prepare for the exam.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 2 hr 00 mins | 80.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80.00 | |
The exam will consist of two parts. Essay questions (50% of module mark) and MCQs (30%)
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 29/04/2024 16:19:53
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