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To build on the study of theories of intelligence and personality covered at Level 2 by introducing a series of key topics within the area of individual differences.

13 x one hour lectures

At least 2:1 honours degree in a science subject.

Formal written examination 100%

To build on the study of theories of intelligence and personality covered at Level 2 by introducing a series of key topics within the area of individual differences. To inform the students on current statistical thinking in psychometrics and the key debates in human abilities measurement. To develop the students' understanding of the major theoretical approaches to the study of personality including Freudian theory, the lexical approach, the trait measurement approach.

To introduce the evidence for the 'Big 5' and compare and contrast Eysenck and Cattell's theory.
To summarise the evidence on genetics, and personality, and gene environment interactions. emphasising the brain mechanisms involved in personality

By the end of the course students will be able to :

■ Explain the various types of validity: face, content, criterion and construct.

■ Analyse the role of factor analysis in construct validity critically.

■ Review the key episodes in the historical development of IQ tests.

■ Explain the evidence on IQ and genetics.

■ Outline the evidence on group differences in IQ.

■ Appraise the ideological aspects of the 'race and IQ' debate.

■ Criticise the legal and ethical issues involved in psychometric assessment.

■ Criticise the attempts to extend he concept and measurement of intelligence beyond that of a general intelligence factor

■ Analyse test validity critically.

■ Explain what is meant by Personality Theory in Context;

■ Define the key concepts in the Psychoanalytic Approach to personality;

■ Critically evaluate the developments of Freudian Theories and criticise its evidential basis;

■ Critically evaluate evidence for the Trait Approach to Personality;

■ Evaluate evidence on the comprehensiveness of the 'big five' in explaining variability in personality

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.