PYB309 Individual Differences and Assessment
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PYB309 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | minimum 96cp of previous psychology units |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Successful completion of all first and second year units is assumed knowledge. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | The Commonwealth supported place student contribution amount for this unit depends upon the course of study. Find out more |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,024 |
| International unit fee | $4,224 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | PYB309 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Successful completion of all first and second year units is assumed knowledge. |
| Coordinator: | Adrian Kelly | a.kelly@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit will introduce you to key theories underpinning personality, and it will explore the extent to which key theories account for variation in personality and human behaviour. It will also cover key principles of psychological assessment, assessment methods, the relationship of assessment methods to key theories, and the ethical use of assessment tools. The unit will apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary challenges, such as depression and anxiety, work engagement, relationship distress, school achievement, and effective parenting. This unit includes a strong focus on building capability to use a mix of theory and research to inform real-world mental health problems. The unit will strengthen professional skills for those considering a future in psychology and related fields which rely on individual differences and assessment (e.g., clinical or counselling settings, educational, organisational, developmental, forensic and research settings).
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain and critically evaluate core theoretical frameworks of human behaviour and develop skills in the application of these frameworks to understanding psychological adjustment, interpersonal relationships, and life meaning
- Employ theoretical frameworks to drive choices of assessment, and develop digital technology skills for use in evaluating assessment methods and tools
- Employ validity and reliability concepts to a variety of assessment methods and develop capabilities to critically review empirical research on the reliability and validity of assessment tools.
- Communicate professionally regarding assessment and case conceptualisation in a concise, thorough, and culturally appropriate manner, as required within the psychological profession.
- Clearly articulate ethical and cultural considerations in the use of assessment tools and methods, and reflect on the risks, impact, and assumptions underlying various assessment technologies.
Content
The unit is designed to provide a broad understanding of individual difference factors and the way in which those perspectives apply in various fields of psychology (e.g., clinical psychology, family systems, school/education, and research). Major theories will be discussed such as social cognitive and behavioural theories, existential frameworks, psychoanalytic and trait approaches to personality. There will be a focus on critical evaluation of theories in accounting for mental health problems, and developing digital and professional capabilities to this end. Although adult assessment is the unit focus, you will also be introduced to assessment tools used with children, adolescents, and older people. The unit will also cover the construction of tests used for psychological assessment beginning with the development of the initial instrument items through to assessing its psychometric properties and utility. Assessment tools, practices and their applicability is also discussed from a cultural perspective - including that of Indigenous Australians. You will reflect on ethical considerations and personal values relating to individual differences and assessment. Broader social and ethical implications in terms of cultural and gender issues are embedded throughout.
Learning Approaches
Teaching in this unit is both conceptual and practical. You are expected to attend weekly lectures and tutorials. Lectures will include a focus on small group work throughout each session, and these small group work sessions will be closely related to the development of case conceptualisation skills and critical evaluation of psychometric information. The lectures will encourage self-reflection and critical evaluation of theory and assessment practice through video and case studies. The tutorial classes will provide an opportunity to employ and evaluate various assessment strategies, and in particular, apply assessment technologies to real-world cases. In preparation for entry into the field of psychological health and related services, you will strengthen your skills in the use of digital technologies to support professionally oriented report writing.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in this unit through formative and summative feedback. General formative feedback will also be provided in the lectures and tutorials. In particular, the tutorial will provide a forum for seeking and receiving formative feedback regarding scale development. Summative feedback will be provided through the assessment tasks detailed below.
Assessment
Overview
You are required to submit all written assignments electronically for content matching checks.
Your final grade will be calculated from 2 assessment pieces, the first is a case conceptualization and formulation which is worth 50% and a final exam worth 50%.
As this is an internally offered course, attendance at final exams is in-person on QUT Brisbane campuses.
Note that prior to release of marks, the unit coordinator undertakes a moderation process to ensure that criteria and standards have been applied consistently and fairly. Actively reading the feedback provided will enhance your learning success.
Final grades are not confirmed until reviewed by the relevant Faculty Assessment Committee and approved by the Executive Dean at the completion of each teaching period.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Case conceptualisation and formulation
You will be given a detailed case of a person presenting to a professional working in a health, education or occupational setting. Your task will be to conceptualise the person's presenting challenges using two of the personality theoretical frameworks covered in the lectures. You will be asked to use each theoretical framework to account for why this person is presenting to the professional at this point in time, and to present plans for what you would assess based on these theoretical frameworks. You will also be asked to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of each framework and assessment regime as it relates to the case.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
The final exam will be held during the central examination period. This exam will cover all content and readings from the lectures and tutorials in the unit. Question types include multiple choice, short answer and case based questions.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2019). Personality Theory and Research – Australia and New Zealand Edition (14th Edition). Wiley.
Risk Assessment Statement
It is not expected that participation in this unit will result in any risk outside that of normal behaviour.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PY45 Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
- Describe and evaluate the core scientific perspectives of psychology with reference to theories, methods and research, from diverse perspectives, including first-nations perspectives.
Relates to: Case conceptualisation and formulation, Final Examination - Critically examine the scientific discipline of psychological research and theories using oral, written and digital communication to address psychological issues in a respectful, ethical and professional manner.
Relates to: Case conceptualisation and formulation, Final Examination - Implement a range of digital capabilities to access, examine and utilise evidence-based information in the context of effectively responding to, and communicating, real world problems.
Relates to: Case conceptualisation and formulation