Introduction to Individual Differences

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 4
• Convenor: Dr Michael Mallaghan
• Assessment: a one-hour written examination (70%) and in-class test (30%)

In this module we introduce two key areas of study within individual differences and highlight the main methods and debates in each:

• Personality
• Abnormal psychology

We will encourage you to explore each from a number of perspectives and to consider the impact of culture on research and practice in these areas. During this module you will develop skills in writing academic essays in psychology.

Indicative syllabus

• Theories of personality
• Personality disorder (narcissism)
• Models of psychopathology, and issues in the diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology (including that of culture)
• Anxiety, depression and addiction
• Cultural perspective on individual differences
• Positive psychology

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• briefly summarise a range of perspectives on personality, indicating understanding of how these are similar and how they differ
• outline the key debates relating to models of psychopathology, and the main issues relating to diagnosis and treatment
• explain the potential impact of cultural issues on the study of individual differences, and what cultural psychology might contribute to our understanding of individual differences
• outline how positive psychology might contribute to our understanding of mental health and well-being.