This module will advance the quantitative research methods introduced in Becoming a Researcher as well as broaden knowledge of Individual Differences in Psychology. Students will learn to understand and challenge thinking around traditional areas of individual differences including personality and intelligence, before exploring other more recent trends of exploring individuality. Alongside this, students will learn how to design and conduct research with a focus on exploring individual differences variables. The module will introduce students to both ANOVA and multiple regression analytic methods.

The assessment is a laboratory report. This will involve students designing a project (LO3) on the topic of individual differences (LO1) using a choice of analysis from ANOVA or Multiple Regression (LO2). The data collected will be analysed, reported and interpreted (LO3 and LO4).

Formative assessment

Guidance and informal feedback on laboratory report in seminars

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities¿(60¿hours):¿
These sessions will incorporate lectures, workshop activities, module/assessment support sessions and tutor-¿and student-led interactive activities, discussions and drop-in support sessions. Students will work in groups and teams in the practical sessions, identifying and reading relevant literature and discussing designs in preparation for the laboratory report.

Guided Independent Study¿(140¿hours):¿

These guided study hours include preparing for lectures/workshops¿other than the specific reading provided for each week and guided independent reading including research (using¿library and web facilities) around specific topic areas to develop understanding and evaluation of the topics introduced in the lectures. It also includes the group and individual working time for assessment preparation on the module.

Demonstrate a detailed critical awareness of individual differences, and their use in psychological research

Design a quantitative research project with a specific focus on individual differences

Conduct, report, and critically analyse research using the quantitative methodologies covered in the module

Interpret, evaluate, and systematically communicate the results of quantitative psychological research in a suitable academic format

Blackboard VLE

Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks

Internet access to relevant websites and online databases

A laboratory with space for group work as well as formal teaching, to be equipped with a computer for each student which has statistical, word processing, spreadsheet and internet programs

Licenses for Individual Differences measures

Maltby, J., Day, L., & Macaskill, A., (2017). Personality and Individual Differences in Intelligence. (4th Ed) Pearson.

Clark-Carter D. (2018). Quantitative psychological research: The complete student's companion.

Hove: Psychology Press.

Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics: Using SPSS. (5th Ed). London: Sage.

Be registered on the MSc Psychology degree.

How do psychologists explore how people differ? How can we analyse and understand patterns of behaviour? This module will continue to advance students' knowledge of quantitative research methods in psychology as well as build knowledge and experience in applying these to topics within the area of the psychology of individual differences.