PSYC6836
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
Who am I? Why do I do what I do? Individual differences research can help us to answer these questions. In this course, we will examine key approaches to individual differences that have influenced our understanding of people and how they differ from others. As part of this course, you will have an opportunity to explore the validity of individual differences in the contexts of social behaviour, performance, health, and happiness. You will also be introduced to a variety of testing materials, questionnaires, and interview types in practical sessions that provide basic training in their design, construction, administration, and interpretation. Finally, we will discuss special topics in the assessment of individual differences, including indigenous psychology and assessment.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Ourimbah
- Semester 2 - 2024
Online
- Semester 2 - 2024
Replacing course(s)
This course replaces the following course(s): PSYC6831. Students who have successfully completed PSYC6831 are not eligible to enrol in PSYC6836.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Critically analyse theory and evidence in individual differences research;
2. Critically review a range of testing methods and questionnaire designs;
3. Apply the practical details of designing, constructing, and administering tests and questionnaires;
4. Assess the statistical methods used in test construction and questionnaire design.
5. Recognise the challenges to the validity of individual differences tests and questionnaires in an indigenous context.
Content
Topics will include:
- The theoretical background and methods used to examine individual differences, with an emphasis on personality.
- The links between individual differences and consequential life outcomes, including workplace and academic performance, social behaviour, romantic relationships, and health.
- Psychometric testing, in which students will investigate such issues as the historical background of testing, types of tests for various purposes, how tests are developed and shown to be reliable and valid, guidelines for administering tests, how norms are constructed and used, the ethical uses of testing and contemporary statistical methods of test and questionnaire construction.
- Questionnaire design, in which topics such as sampling, enhancing response rates, sample sizes, questionnaire design, and respondent biases are covered.
- An opportunity to experience some of the methods by which personality is measured during class activities.
Assumed knowledge
Students considering enrolling in this 6000-level course should have successfully completed one of PSYC6823, PSYC6825, PSYC6833, or PSYC6837, in order to have sufficient requisite knowledge, understanding and generic skills.
Assessment items
Quiz: Online Quizzes
Presentation: Present a Psychological Test
Written Assignment: Use a Psychological Test
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 10 week(s) starting in week 1
Semester 2 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 10 week(s) starting in week 1
Semester 2 - 2024 - Online
Lecture-1
- Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 10 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.