Individual Differences in Education - EDU00057I
Module summary
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the key concepts in the psychology of individual differences. It will build on students' understanding of the ways individual variations in learning needs and preferences manifest themselves in Education. The module will examine classic and contemporary research on personality and intelligence. A key focus of the module will be on research methods appropriate for measuring individual differences. This includes measurement practices that underpin different theoretical perspectives, including cross-cultural issues.
Related modules
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the key concepts in the psychology of individual differences. It will build on students' understanding of the ways individual variations in learning needs and preferences manifest themselves in Education. The module will examine classic and contemporary research on personality and intelligence. A key focus of the module will be on research methods appropriate for measuring individual differences. This includes measurement practices that underpin different theoretical perspectives, including cross-cultural issues.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module students will be able to:
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Discuss the major theoretical perspectives on individual differences (e.g., theories of intelligence, personality, motivation, emotions).
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Examine the way personality and intelligence influence education.
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Understand the implications of individual differences, educational diversity and atypical development for teachers and educational psychologists.
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Describe research methods appropriate for the study of individual differences.
Academic and graduate skills
Students will have learned how to:
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Formulate academic arguments in written and oral form.
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Manage a range of sources and critically evaluate the reliability and validity of these in informing and supporting academic argumentation.
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Analyse the ways in which theories and data from different disciplines can inform each other and enhance understanding (in this case, of educational diversity.
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Use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) website, and the Internet effectively.
Module content
The following is indicative of the different topics that will be covered:
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Intelligence, basic concepts and life outcomes.
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Personality: basic concepts and life outcomes.
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Controversies in individual differences.
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Optimism and happiness.
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Empathy.
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Creativity and motivation.
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Controversies in the study of individual differences.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Individual written feedback reports, with follow-up tutor meeting, if necessary. The feedback is returned to students in line with university policy. Please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.
Indicative reading
Day, L., Maltby, J., Macaskill, A. (2017). Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence (4th Ed.). Pearson.
Gaines, S.T. (2019). Personality Psychology: The Basics. Routledge.
Haslam, N., Smillie, L., & Rust, J., Kosinski, M., & Stillwell, D. (2020). Modern Psychometrics: The Science of Psychological Assessment (4th Ed.). Routledge.
Song, J. (2017). An Introduction to Personality, Individual Differences, and Intelligence (2nd Ed.). Sage.