Understanding Human Personality

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 4
• Assessment: two 1500-word pieces of coursework, one written in class and one essay, case study, report or class presentation

This module aims to examine ways in which human beings systematically differ from one another in terms of personality and motivation; to introduce theories of personality as developed within the field of psychology and to explore practical applications of personality research in a range of settings.

Indicative module content

In this module we will explore the answers to the following questions:

• What is personality? What is the ‘self’?
• What are the key methods of assessing personality? We will examine relevant methodologies e.g. case studies, projective techniques, laboratory studies, interviews and questionnaires.
• What are the key approaches to personality and motivation e.g. psychoanalytic, trait, cognitive, social-cognitive (inter-actional) and biological?
• To what extent do the influences of biological, genetic, environmental, social and situational factors explain differences in personality and motivation.
• How consistent is personality between different situations and over the lifespan?
• Are there sex and gender differences in personality and, if so, why?
• What are the effects of personality on other behaviours in such settings as work; health; education; relationships; and occupational choice?
• What are personality and identity disorders and can they be treated?

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

• discuss the nature and causes of ‘individual differences’ in personality and motivation
• describe and evaluate the major theories of personality, including contemporary approaches
• describe and evaluate the research methods used in the study of personality
• describe the influences of biological, genetic, environmental, social and situational factors that may explain differences in personality and motivation
• discuss ways in which personality may affect a range of behaviours
• offer a critique of personality testing
• identify current approaches and debates in the study of personality
• describe, discuss and evaluate a range of research methodologies that might be appropriate to the study of psychology (identifying strengths and weaknesses of core methodologies)
• identify the ethical issues when conducting psychological research (with particular consideration of harm)
• demonstrate an appropriate awareness of cultural considerations in the evaluation of theory and research.