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This course provides an overview of classic and contemporary theory and research in personality. Approaches to understanding personality will include Freudian and Neo-Freudian perspectives, genetic and evolutionary perspectives, biological perspectives, existential and humanistic perspectives, trait perspectives, and behavioural perspectives. In the laboratory sessions students will take, analyze, and interpret various personality assessment instruments.
The course provides an introduction to classic and contemporary theory and research in personality psychology. Lectures and readings will cover a variety of perspectives on personality, such as: psychoanalytic, genetic and evolutionary, cultural, biological, humanistic, trait, and behavioural. In the laboratory sessions, students will take various personality assessment instruments and participate in experiments to gain first-hand insight into cutting-edge personality research. PSYC211 is recommended preparation for PSYC335 Abnormal Psychology, and PSYC336 Industrial & Organisational Psychology.
On successful completion of the course, you will have:an understanding of key theories in personality psychology, the differences between these theories; and ability to critically evaluate theories of personality;an understanding of the research methods commonly used in personality psychology;the ability to critically evaluate classic and contemporary research methods in personality psychology;hands-on experience via participation in contemporary personality science;the ability to write up a succinct research proposal.
PSYC105 and PSYC106
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Andrew Vonasch
David Charles Funder; The Personality Puzzle ; 8th Ed; W.W. Norton & Co, 2019 (Older editions are also acceptable, although the older the edition, the less similar it will be. The course coordinator recommends avoiding anything older than 6th edition unless absolutely necessary).
Library portal
Domestic fee $916.00
International fee $4,750.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing on the departments and faculties page .