PS938-7-AU-CO:
Special Topics in Individual Differences and Developmental Psychology
2023/24
Psychology
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
06 November 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module is an advanced survey of major contemporary topics in individual differences and developmental psychology.
The topics covered will be directly related to the current research specialisations and active research programmes of staff in the department. This will provide students with insights into the major unresolved questions and controversies in the field, as well as discussing recent major in advances in our understanding.
The aims of this module are:
- To provide advanced understanding of contemporary theoretical and empirical research in individual differences and developmental psychology.
- To engage students with critical analysis of relevant theory and research.
- To provide a research-led approach to teaching, by structuring the seminars with reference to the ongoing research programmes within the department.
- To encourage intellectual engagement with these research programmes, and help to foster a sense of scientific enquiry in preparation for the research project module.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Critically discuss scientific articles and studies around the topics of individual differences and developmental psychology.
- Be up-to-date with the literature in these fields.
- Have improved their academic oral presentation skills.
- Have improved their academic writing skills.
For each topic, critical analysis of relevant theory and research will form the basis of written and oral work in the module.
This module will be delivered via:
The seminar leader will typically give a talk explaining the relevant theoretical background and contemporary research findings, and discuss their own recent research in this area. There will be a focus on understanding the current unanswered questions in the field, and how these might be addressed through novel empirical research. Students will be encouraged, and expected, to discuss these issues themselves. Seminars will employ a variety of techniques, such as group discussion and student presentations.
Information about the seminars will be provided in advance through Moodle.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Essay 1 |
|
32% |
| Coursework |
Coursework 2 |
|
48% |
| Practical |
Oral (Powerpoint) Presentation |
|
20% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Gijsbert Stoet, email: g.stoet@essex.ac.uk.
email; g.stoet@essex.ac.uk
No
No
No
Dr Alexander Jones
Middlesex University
Senior lecturer
Available via Moodle
Of 22 hours, 22 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
Psychology
Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can
be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements,
industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist
of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules.
The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.