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%)

This module aims to:

• introduce two key areas of study within individual differences - personality and abnormal psychology - highlighting the main methods and debates in each
• encourage you to explore each from a number of perspectives
• encourage you to consider the impact of culture on research and practice in these areas
• support development of skills in writing academic essays in psychology.

Indicative module content

• 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.