Personality and Individual Differences

Full course description

Structure of the course:

The course is divided into four parts. In the first part of the course students will gain an overview of the most important theories, techniques and methods used by psychologists in the context of personality and intelligence research. What are common conceptualizations of personality and intelligence? Secondly, students will learn about antecedents or explanations of individual differences. Why are there differences between humans? How does evolution come into play? What role does heredity play? In the third part, students will focus on outcomes of personality in terms of life experiences. What is the role of personality and intelligence in the prediction of life events? How important is intelligence for your career? Do personality traits predict the duration of a marriage? In the fourth part, students will focus on applications of personality theory and findings in practice. How is knowledge on personality and intelligence applied in clinical and organisational settings? What kind of practical implications can be derived from personality research?

Practical relevance:

Today, personality and intelligence research forms an important fundamental basis for the daily practice of psychologists. If psychologists execute experts’ assessments for court, they do this based on knowledge from personality and intelligence research. Psychologists select people for jobs based on personality and intelligence research. If psychologists treat mental disorders, they often first assess personality and intelligence of a patient. Knowledge on personality psychology and intelligence is therefore an important basis for every student who wants to work in fields such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, or work and organisational psychology.

The corresponding practical for this course is: Personality Diagnostics