The notion of individual differences between human beings is a cornerstone of classical and modern psychological theory and application. In sport and exercise, the understanding of how individual difference influence the wellbeing and performance of participants has been a thriving area of research. So too has the measurement of individual difference using psychometrics (e.g., self-report questionnaires).

This module will develop students’ conceptual and historical appreciation of individual differences and psychometrics in the context of psychology, sport and exercise. Students will learn about core themes in individual differences as applied to sport and exercise, such as the Big Five personality traits, the dark triad, motivation, core beliefs and schema, intelligence, and how these constructs link to cognitive, emotional, and behavioural outcomes in athletes.

To present a virtual video presentation on the development of a psychometric resource that assesses an identified psychological construct relevant to sport or exercise participants (LO's 1, 2 & 3). This video presentation can be pre-recorded if required.

Students follow a one semester study programme. Students will learn through a mixed of a combination of asynchronous lectures and synchronous lectures, and seminars. Video lectures will be posted on the virtual learning environment (VLE) and students will be required to view these each week prior to completing the seminar activities will then be used to build upon the material presented in the video lectures. In addition, students can access support material via the virtual learning environment (e.g., Blackboard) and Microsoft teams.
Students are required to access additional support material independently. Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising task-related feedback on a week-by-week basis, together with discussions to encourage peer-learning in addition to comments from relevant tutor
Students will learn through a combination of video lectures, independent activities, formative feedback tasks, peer to peer discussions, and 1-2-1 tutor support.

1. Demonstrate a clear understanding and critical appraisal of theories, research, and debates relating to individual differences. Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding, Communication.

2. Critically apply analytic principles to the development and validation of psychometrics assessing individual differences. Analysis, Application, Communication, Problem Solving.

3. Debate the contemporary issues concerning the measurement of individual differences. Knowledge and Understanding, Communication, Problem Solving.

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment
Microsoft Teams
Internet access
Library facilities

DeVellis, R. F. (2017). Scale Development: Theory and Applications (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Tenenbaum, G., Eklund, R. C., & Kamata, A. (2012). Measurement in sport and exercise psychology. Human Kinetics: Champaign, IL.

Maltby, J., Day, L., & Macaskill, A. (2010). Personality, individual differences and intelligence. Pearson Education.

This module will develop students' conceptual and historical appreciation of individual differences and psychometrics in the context of psychology, sport and exercise. Students will learn about core themes in individual differences as applied to sport and exercise, such as the Big Five personality traits, the dark triad, motivation, core beliefs and schema, intelligence, and how these constructs link to cognitive, emotional, and behavioural outcomes in athletes.

Students will gain an appreciation of the measurement of individual differences, and the processes by which psychometrics are developed and validity for use in research and applied sport and exercise settings.