Psychology of Personality

PSY30008 12.5 Credit Points Hawthorn, Online Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students

Duration

  • One semester or equivalent

Contact hours

  • 16 Hours face to face + Blended

On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning. For Online unit delivery, learning is conducted exclusively online.

2023 teaching periods

Hawthorn

HOL Study Period 3

Dates:
28 Aug 23 - 26 Nov 23

Results:
22 Dec 23

Last self enrolment:
10 Sep 23

Census:
18 Sep 23

Last withdraw without fail:
13 Oct 23
More teaching periods
Swinburne Online

Teaching Period 3

Dates:
6 Nov 23 - 11 Feb 24

Results:
5 Mar 24

Last self enrolment:
19 Nov 23

Census:
1 Dec 23

Last withdraw without fail:
29 Dec 23

Prerequisites

25 Credit Points of second level PSY units
AND
STA20006 Analysis of Variance and Regression

Aims and objectives

This unit explores key themes in the development of personality theory. The psychodynamic, psychosocial, biological, trait, humanistic, and social cognitive approaches to understanding personality are compared and critically evaluated according to the available evidence. Assessment of individuals according to each theory is also critically evaluated. Applications of the personality theories to real-world problems are emphasised in the unit so that students begin to appreciate the importance of understanding differences between people and how these differences drive behaviour..
 
1. Explain the main features of major perspectives on the psychology of personality (e.g., psychoanalytic/neoanalytic, biological/evolutionary, trait, motive, learning and social-cognitive approaches, and narrative identity)
2. Apply personality theory for practical outcomes using an appropriate technology
3. Critically evaluate how various approaches to personality explain specific issues such as the unconscious, the self, personality change, the effect of early childhood experiences, and the role of motivation
4. Integrate theories of personality to better understand individual differences
5. Investigate a personality-related research question and present the findings in an appropriate manner