Lecture 1 - Introduction (Chapter 1)

Question 1

What is the unique aspect of individual differences psychology?

Answer 1

Individual differences psychology is concerned with the unique aspects of people’s behaviour. Unlike most psychological theories, which focuses on grouping similar behaviour between people.

Question 2

What is individual differences psychology also known as?

Answer 2

Differential Psychology

Question 3

What is the aim of differential psychology?

Answer 3

To explain observable differences between individuals in terms of underlying psychological determinants.

Question 4

What are the 4 main assumptions of differential psychology?

Answer 4

• Different people may have different values, interests and preferences.
• People’s interests, values and preferences are reflected in their behaviours
• We are aware of these interests, values and preferences as actors and observers.
• People tend to act in a somewhat consistent manner across space and time.

Question 5

Differential psychologists collect enormous amounts of information about what?

Answer 5

How people behave, paying particular attention to their consistent behavioural patterns.

Question 6

Define ‘trait’.

Answer 6

An internal psychological disposition that remains largely unchanged throughout the lifespan and determines differences between individuals.

Question 7

What is a taxonomy?

Answer 7

A classification system

Question 8

What is behavioural genetics?

Answer 8

The study of the biological basis of individual differences.

Question 9

What is the traditional measure of intelligence??

Answer 9

IQ tests

Question 10

What do IQ tests measure?

Answer 10

• Solving maths problems
• Solving logical problems
• Spatial ability tests
• Expressing ideas verbally
• School/uni exams

Question 11

What is Beyond IQ?

Answer 11

Novel Intelligences

Question 12

What are examples of Novel Intelligences?

Answer 12

• Relating to others (social)
• Managing emotions (emotional)
• Knowing oneself (intrapersonal)
• Everyday life problems (practical)
• Gaining recognition (success)

Question 13

Define ‘consistent patterns of behaviour’.

Answer 13

Aspects of the individual that characterise the way they usually behave and make them different from others.

Question 14

What is the difference between the aspects of behaviour that personality traits and ability tests measure?

Answer 14

Personality traits reflect behavioural tendencies and refer to ‘typical’ performance.
Ability tests reflect the best an individual can do - maximal performance

(Cronbach, 1990; 1949)

Question 15

What are the two scientific aspects/constructs of creativity?

Answer 15

Fluency

Originality

Question 16

What is fluency in relation to constructs of creativity?

Answer 16

The number of creative ideas that are generated

Question 17

What is originality in relation to constructs of creativity?

Answer 17

The uniqueness of ideas that are generated, compared to a larger group or norm.

Question 18

What is emergence in relation to leadership differences?

Answer 18

Who becomes a leader and why

Question 19

What is effectiveness in relation to leadership differences?

Answer 19

Who leads successfully and who does not

Question 20

According to Dunfart and Neubauer (2016), what were the 3 best predictors of academic performance in secondary schools?

Answer 20

Gender (females)
IQ
Conscientiousness

Question 21

Which study found that students who were female, high in IQ and high in conscientiousness are likely to have greater academic achievement?

Answer 21

Dunfart and Neubauer (2016)

Question 22

Why might IQ be predictive of academic achievement in secondary education but not for University?

Answer 22

Variability in University students’ IQ is much lower than for secondary school students.
Uni students have an average IQ of 1 SD above the average (Chamarro-Premuzic)

Question 23

Which were the 4 best predictors of University performance, in particular of final year project performance, according to Chamarro-Premuzic (2003)? Which one was noted as the best out of them all?

Answer 23

• Tutor’s predictions
• Absenteeism
• Neuroticism
• Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness noted as the best predictor.

Question 24

What 3 aspects is occupational psychology concerned with?

Answer 24

• Performance of people at work
• How individuals, small groups and organisations behave and function
• Aims to increase the effectiveness of the organisation and improve the job satisfaction of the individuals.