512-360 Personality and Social Psychology 3

512-223 (or equivalent)

512-220 (or equivalent)

This subject comprises two units.

Personality discusses major contemporary issues in the study of personality, and selected areas of contemporary research. Topics will be selected from the relation of personality to creativity and aesthetic preference; personality/intelligence relationships; the cognitive performance correlates of personality; personality change and stability; trait and type approaches to personality; the interface between personality and abnormal psychology.

Social Psychology extends the understandings gained in the first two levels of the undergraduate program to consider more advanced theoretical and empirical work in the areas of individual, interpersonal and group processes. Topics will be selected from advanced research in attitudes and social cognition, interpersonal, small group and sociocultural processes.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to: critically appraise current knowledge and its internal structure; critically evaluate the methods used to acquire the current knowledge; critically analyse the current knowledge within the larger socio-historical and intellectual context; appropriately interpret empirical data in light of the current knowledge and methodological considerations; constructively plan a theoretical and empirical research project to advance knowledge.

Written work of no more than 2000 words (40%) and an examination of no more than two hours (60%).

Each piece of assessment must be completed (hurdle requirement).

Attendance at 80% or more of the laboratory classes is a hurdle requirement. In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded.