James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

PY3108 - Personality Psychology: Decoding the Mysteries of Humans

Subject Description

In this subject there will be a specific focus on theories and assessment methods for studying the lives of individuals in detail, including contributions from psychoanalytic, cognitive, behavioural, trait and narrative psychologies.The subject will begin by addressing philosophical issues, since these are especially critical in shaping both theory and method in the area of personality. An overview of the major theoretical paradigms of personality psychology will be presented in the first half of the subject, including reference to the work of S. Freud, C. Jung, Henry Murrey, H.J. Eysenck, George Kelly, Abraham Maslow, Sylvan Tomkins, Dan McAdams, Gary Gregg and others. The second half of this subject will be devoted to a coverage of contemporary and emerging approaches to the conceptualisation and measurement of personality with a focus on the narrative study of individual lives.

Learning Outcomes

• integrate personality theory and assessment and identify the kinds of applied social and practical problems which they might encounter in professional life
• identify a range of assessment tools for studying personality and will have had first hand experience in the use of some of these tools via practicals and a research project
• appraise contemporary theoretical developments and emerging trends in the conceptualisation and assessment of personality

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (20%) - Group
• Written > Case study analysis - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Passing requirements: attend at least 80% of tutorials; complete and submit all weighted assessment items; achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% after the application of any penalties such as late penalties.

Assumed Knowledge:  To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  PY3094

Availabilities