Postgraduate Module Descriptor


ERPM007: Personality and Individual Differences

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary over time, it is envisaged that the syllabus will consider a range of issues that relate to the current and historical study of personality and individual differences, drawing on theory, assessment of personality and empirical research. The syllabus will likely include:

  • A general introduction to personality and individual differences
  • Psychoanalytic theory
  • Personality trait theory
  • Personality type theory
  • The person-situation debate
  • Biological and evolutionary approaches
  • Behaviourist, social learning and cognitive approaches
  • Phenomenological approaches
  • Intelligence
  • Personality disorders
  • Psychological disorders and individual differences
  • Social phobia
  • Individual differences and psychosis

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
331170

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching33Combined seminar and lecture sessions
Guided Independent Learning25Reading (textbooks, journal articles, web resources and lecture slides) in preparation for taught sessions and for assessment
Guided Independent Learning65Work on formative and summative assessment
Guided Independent Learning10Collation and review of lecture and seminar materials
Guided Independent Learning17Undertaking additional class tasks and activities (e.g. on ELE) and preparing for seminars

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

Personality and Individual Differences

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

European Journal of Personality

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment

Intelligence

Other Learning Resources

Module ELE page