module specification

This module introduces students to some key theories and models of personality as explanations for individual behaviour, along with social psychological theories, which seek to understand behaviour in a wider social context.

The aims of this module are to (1) provide students with an understanding of key theories of and models of personality as explanations for individual behaviour along with social psychological theories which seek to understand behaviour in a wider social context; and (2) develop students’ understanding of how psychological explanations of individual differences and social behaviour can be applied to real world events and experiences. This knowledge and understanding will help students’ employment skills by enabling them to appreciate the different perspectives that are needed to fully understand individual behaviour in everyday life. The module also develops students’ understanding of some key principles underlying psychological research, which will facilitate progression to modules at Level 5.  The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Topics will be selected from the following broad areas
Personality
Psychodynamic theories; humanistic theories; trait theories; behaviourist theories; biological basis of personality traits; personality and emotions; state motivation and motivational traits; needs, motives, personal strivings and goals; creativity.
Social psychology
Social facilitation; social influence; conformity; obedience; leadership; group decision-making; group processes; group productivity.

Students’ knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, theories and empirical evidence will be developed through lectures, small group discussions, and workshops (90 hours) and through guided use of learning resources, included web-based material and independent study (210 hours).

On successful completion of this module students will:

1. Have an understanding of key theoretical explanations of how personality characteristics are acquired and the role of nature and the environment in their development.
2. Have an understanding of the ways in which individual behaviour may be influenced by the social environment and social interaction.
3. Have developed an understanding of how individual and social behaviour can be investigated and theorised and applied to real world situations.
4. Have an understanding of the empirical basis of key psychological concepts and assumptions.

Summative assessment will be an MCQ test focused on the personality component of the module (50%) and an MCQ tests focused on the social psychology component of the module. Formative assessment will be via a series of in-class and online tests during the module.

Chamorro-Premuzic, T. (2013). Personality and individual differences (2nd edition). Blackwell: Oxford.
Davey, G. (Ed.) (2014). Complete psychology (2nd edition). London: Hodder Education. [Core]
Hogg, M.A. & Vaughan, G.M. (2013). Social psychology (7th edition).  Harlow: Pearson. (core text for social psychology component) [core]
Maltby, J. Day, L. & MacAskill, A. (2013) Personality, individual differences and intelligence. Second Edition. Prentice Hall: Harlow.
Pervin, L.A. & Cervone, D. (2010). Personality: Theory and research (11th edition). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. (Core text for personality component)