PSY2004 : Individual Differences
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
- Module Leader(s): Dr Margreet Vogelzang
- Lecturer: Dr Drew Altschul, Dr Katie Allen
- Other Staff: Dr Zachary Petzel
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To review the modern study of individual differences in psychology, with particular reference to:
(a) validity and reliability in the measurement of individual differences;
(b) the main theories of individual differences;
(c) the relationships between individual differences, health and psychopathology
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics to be covered include:
Methods for measuring individual differences; Personality and health; Intelligence; Cognition and its subcomponents; Emotional Intelligence; Neurobiological underpinnings of individual differences; Developmental influences on personality and cognition
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Preparing and completing coursework assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Hands-on practicals |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 46 | 1:00 | 46:00 | General Reading and revision |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Small group session (essay coursework formative feedback session) |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Student led small group session (essay coursework peer support session) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introduction to Module and Assessment |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures, module talk and readings form the core factual content of the course. The lecture materials are used as the most effective mode of imparting the core knowledge of the module. Related practical sessions provide students with the opportunity to get hands-on experience to assist their understanding of individual differences and to assist the preparation of their coursework assessment. Private study is essential for in-depth review of knowledge imparted through lecture materials. Finally, students will also take part in small group sessions designed to support them throughout the preparation of their coursework.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 45 | 2 | A | 50 | PIP Inspera invigilated. MCQs (45), unseen |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 50 | 1000 word essay |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The Digital examination will test the students' independent learning and understanding of individual differences across the breadth of module content. Students’ knowledge and understanding of individual differences are assessed in greater depth through an essay that is supported by small-group sessions.
If the module is failed or deferred students will resit failed or deferred assessments in the same format during the August resit period.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY2004's Timetable