Individual Differences

Psychology of individual differences studies the ways in which people differ in their behavior. The course is focused on personality, temperament, intelligence and the area between personality and intelligence (e.g. cognitive styles).

Psychology of individual differences examines why and how people differ from one another in their behavior (e.g. emotional or intellectual reactions). The course is focused on personality, temperament, intelligence and the area between personality and intelligence (e.g. cognitive styles). Among others, students will study and evaluate major theories of personality traits (e.g. Eysenck’s PEN theory, Costa and McCrae’s Five Factor Model, Cattell’s 16PF) and investigations devoted to temperament (e.g. Strelau’s Regulative Theory of Temperament). The consequences of personality for such psychological phenomena as stress, mood, performance and well-being will be also examined

This course will also familiarize students with modern theories and approaches to intelligence. Nowadays, many studies explore how intelligence is related to our cognition, biological basis, health, longevity or everyday activities. During the course we will try to find some answers to main questions concerning intelligence, such as: why do people differ so much in intelligence level? Is intelligence just a narrow academic skill, as some critics claim, or does it provide practical advantages in everyday affairs? What is life like for people of low, average, or high intelligence?

In brief, students will learn about theories, research, measurement, and applied aspects of individual difference psychology.

Handbooks:

Matthews, G., Deary, I., Whiteman, M. C. (2009). Personality traits. Cambridge: University Press

Chamorro-Premuzic, T. (2007). Personality and Individual Differences. Oxford: Blackwell.

Strelau, J. (1998). Temperament: A psychological perspective. Springer.

Deary, I. (2001). Intelligence: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Students will learn major issues concerning individual differences. They will be introduced with the history and modern theories of personality, temperament, intelligence and cognitive styles: research methods and particular investigations.

Students will learn about the measurement of individual differences: psychometric tools and other methods in assessment of personality and intelligence

1. Test with multiple choice and open questions - main assessment method

Assesses knowledge about facts.

Students can get a maximum of 35 points, they need 60% (equals 21 points) in order to pass.

There is a possibility to take a midterm exam in the middle of the semester.

2. Reaction papers - extra credit Assesses understanding and critical thinking.

Students; task is to read an article, and write a short paper (no more than 1 page A4) including answers to the following questions/issues:

– What it is the main thesis of the article?

– Student's critical thoughts about the concept, methodology etc.

Students are asked to provide arguments to support their criticism.

There are 9 reaction papers, each worth 0,5 point, which gives 4,5 point in total. These points will be added to their final exam score.

Attendance is not mandatory

Students must respect the principles of academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism (including copying work from other students, internet or other sources) are serious violations that are punishable and instructors are required to report all cases to the administration.