Module manager: Dr Martin Farrell
Email: M.J.Farrell@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Successful completion of all pass for progression modules in Level 1 of: BSc Psychology or MPsyc, BSc Advanced Psychology or BA Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Thought (and its International and Industrial variants), or BSs Psychology with Education
| PSYC3421 | Joint Hons/Intercalated Programme Individual Differences |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
A historical and contemporary approach to understanding individual differences in human cognition, wellbeing and performance. The module will be taught by a team of experts in the subject. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of this discipline with particular emphasis on the research expertise of the module team.
The course will present introductory and mid-level material relating to the psychology of individual differences. This will include consideration of historical perspectives, social implications, and application domains. By the end of the course students should have an understanding of the key constructs, be able to critically evaluate opposing theoretical positions, be able to place the study of individual differences in a historical perspective, have a critical appreciation of societal implications of topics covered, and have a critical understanding of example domains of application.
By the end of this course students should have a critical appreciation of the main approaches to the study of individual differences. They will understand the fundamental nature of these constructs, be aware of different theoretical perspectives, know how current views have been formed, and be aware of the application of these constructs in different 'real world' settings. They will understand how genetic, biological, social and developmental contributions to individual differences can be studied and know key research outcomes. They will also have an awareness of societal implications relating to this area of study.
The knowledge outcomes will be assessed in an end of module exam, with a MCQ component to assess breadth and a choice of 3 long essay style questions.
Successful completion of the module will encourage the development of skills in the critical analysis of relevant published research, and in literature search.
Historical perspective on the psychology of individual differences.
Overview of theoretical perspectives on personality and intelligence, as well as more contemporary biological and genetic approaches to individual differences in human performance. The relative contributions of nature and nurture to individual differences will be discussed and developmental issues presented.
Applied approaches to individual differences will be discussed in terms of: Health and wellbeing; Decision making; Psychological aspects of sport and motor performance; and Educational settings.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revision Class | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 82 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 17 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 99 | ||
40 hours: 10 x 4 hours preparation for each lecture
8 hours: preparation for concept map formative assignment (see monitoring of progress section)
30 hours: preparation for end of semester exam
5 hours: preparation for tutorial
Formative feedback will be provided via the completion of partially completed concept maps illustrating the interconnections between important ideas covered the first 5 lectures. Practice MCQs will be provided at the end of the module to help students prepare for the exam.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Completion of partially completed concept maps. | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0 | |
Formative feedback will be provided via the completion of partially completed concept maps illustrating the interconnections between important ideas covered the first 5 lectures. Practice MCQs will be provided at the end of the module to help students prepare for the exam.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
The exam will consist of two parts. Essay questions (70% of module mark) and MCQs (30%)
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 05/06/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team