3 ECTS credits
90 h study time
Offer 2 with catalog number 1012000BNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.
Classical theoretical orientations and important assessment paradigms of personality psychology are discussed.
HOC:
Basic principles of the theories are presented, together with their translation into research models and their application in psychological research. Based on important theorists psychodynamic, humanistic, dispositional/biological (trait and factor theories), and cognitive-social learning theories.
WPO:
Paradigms for personality assessment are discussed (personological, psychodynamic, interpersonal and multivariate paradigm). Students acquire active knowledge of the psychodynamic, interpersonal and multivariate paradigm and the advantages and disadvantages by practical applications. They gain critical insight about the theoretical background of personality tests, construction techniques, scoring- and interpretation methods, and empirical evidence for domains of application of the tests.
For the practical assignment, students demonstrate their critical knowledge of the psychodynamic paradigm through a literature assignment by investigating the empirical evidence of a performance-based test (e.g. Rorschach/TAT) for personality measurement. Using a mandatory Canvas test with feedback, they reflect on the similarities and differences in the interpersonal and multivariate paradigm based on group results of the administered tests (e.g. the BFI 2.0 and NIA-S, these tests are indicative).
Possible forms of HOC/WPO are on campus and/or livestream and/or recorded lessons.
The hours below are indicative:
HOC 10 hours, WPO 10 hours, SELF 30 hours
Buy your handbook only at the VUB Standaard studentshop to have the most recent edition. Consult the course section on the learning platform for more information or other course material.
In general:
Critical insight in theories, models and instruments of personality psychology.
Making a link between theoretical models and the measurement of personality.
HOC:
- To have knowledge about the major classical personality theories and to stimulate the critical evaluation of these theories.
- To explore the link between theoretical models and practice of psychological research where possible.
WPO:
- To have knowledge about and gain critical insight on paradigms important for personality assessment. To have an overview of existing measurement instruments/questionnaires in the domain of personality psychology and their theoretical background.
-To understand test construction and ways of administering. To be able to score and interpret personality tests. To be able to evaluate the practical utility and reliability and validity of tests.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 50% of the final mark.
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 50% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
- Written multiple choice exam (50%)
- Literature assignment (50%)
The multiple-choice exam will be graded by positive scoring with Higher Pass Mark. Thus, no points will be deducted for a wrong answer. On the other hand, gaining points by guessing will be incorporated into the final point by increasing the pass mark. The pass mark for the exam and the exact conversion table will be communicated in a timely manner on Canvas and in the exam instructions. The exam strategy by this method is simple: do your best on all of the exam, questions you don't know or partially know, you can guess to the best of your ability, without worrying about possible point deductions.
There is no grade on the mandatory Canvas test, but students are required to take it. Completion of this Canvas test is a prerequisite for being awarded a grade on the literature assignment that counts for the final total for the course. The mark for the literature assignment counts for 50% in the final grade for the course, under the condition that the compulsory Canvas test has been taken. If the canvas-test was not taken, the student receives an absent code on the final total of the course (even if the written examen and literature assignment have been taken).
Points for parts (written exam or literature assignment) on which one succeeded (at least half of the maximum possible points) can be carried over to the next session/academy year.
If a student achieves at least half of the maximum possible points on a part and retakes the part in a next exam session, only the last obtained result will count. If, prior to the start of a next exam session, the student emails the professor that they do not wish to keep the obtained partial result, the points will be irrevocably lost. Only if all parts have been fulfilled, a total score for the course will be assigned.
Check class session and learning platform for deadlines and guidelines! If a submission deadline for a part is not respected, this part is automatically assessed only in the subsequent session (second exam session or next academic year) and no total score will be granted. Always keep a complete copy of the assignment as handed in.
The use of generative AI is allowed within this course to support in any way possible (e.g. brainstorming tool research questions, structuring text, spelling and grammar checking). Any use of generative AI must be indicated and cited appropriately (use APA style).
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Psychology: Profile Profile Work and Organisational Psychology (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Psychology: Initial track (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Psychology: Profile Profile Clinical psychology (only offered in Dutch)