Individual Differences and Psychometrics

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 5
• Convenor: Dr Aly Kelleher
• Assessment: a two-hour examination (100%)

On this module you will have the opportunity to evaluate the key approaches to understanding how people differ from one another, which includes:

• personality - traits, types and the dark side
• intelligence and its distinction from cognitive ability
• behavioural genetics - are we the product of our genetics or the environment?

We will examine and compare key theoretical perspectives about individual differences, such as humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive, biological, genetic and social theories. We will critically evaluate these approaches in relation to controversies around psychometric tests and their use in HR practices. This will help you to understand the psychometric measurement of individual differences, the limitations of this approach, and their impact on gender and diversity.

Indicative syllabus

• Introduction to individual differences and humanistic approaches
• Type and trait theories of personality
• Biological, cognitive and social approaches to individual differences
• Psychometrics and the measurement of individual differences
• Cognitive ability and intelligence
• Personality, cognitive style and well-being
• Behavioural genetics approach to individual differences
• Diversity problems, dilemmas and unintended consequences of psychometric testing

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• describe approaches to the study of individual differences, covering personality, cognitive style and intelligence
• critically evaluate, compare and contrast these approaches
• understand the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline, its historical origins, development and limitations
• explain key theories and research relating to several approaches to individual differences
• describe and critically evaluate key research carried out on the extent to which our personality, intelligence and ability is due to nature and nurture
• discuss several ways of measuring individual differences, and explain the advantages and disadvantages of these methods
• understand and critically evaluate psychometrics testing methods in relation to diversity
• discuss the application of theory and research on individual differences in the workplace.