Personality and Individual Differences

Synopsis

PSY259 Personality and Individual Differences surveys different approaches to the psychology of personality, including the psychoanalytic approach, life-span approach, genetics approach, humanistic approach, behavioural approach, social-learning approach, and the cognitive approach. In addition, building upon the fundamental knowledge of these various approaches are contemporary conceptual and application pieces, such as the roles of race, gender, as well as social media on the shaping of personality. Through this course, students will gain understanding and knowledge that will serve as a firm foundation for further study into the subject of personality and psychology.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JAN

Topics

An Overview of Personality and How It is Shaped
The Psychoanalytic Approach
The Neo-Psychoanalytic Approach
The Life-Span Approach
The Genetics Approach
The Humanistic Approach
The Cognitive Approach
The Behavioural Approach
The Social-Learning Approach
The Limited-Domain Approach
Integration and Application of Theories
Personality in Perspective

Learning Outcome

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the perspectives in personality psychology.
Discuss the major theories and relevant research findings.
Compare the strengths and limitations of the major theories.
Differentiate among the different perspectives and evaluate how key assumptions in each approach differentially account for individual differences.
Examine how new insights gleaned from the various approaches contribute to an understanding of human behaviour and mental processes.
Recognise the extent to which traditions and major theories in personality direct trends in current research.
Apply theoretical concepts from personality to case studies.

Full-time Programmes Part-time Programmes / CET Courses

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Personality and Individual Differences