53171 - Psychology of Personality and Individual Differences

Academic Year 2024/2025

Learning outcomes

- Learning the theoretical models of personality and their historical development

- Learning the main investigation methods of personality

- Learning the different features of individual differences

- Learning the assessment tools of individual differences in the analysis of personality

Course contents

The course will deal with the following two subject matters.

 

1. Psychology of personality

1.1. Historical introduction to the study of personality

1.2. Methods of investigation in the study of personality

1.3. Main theoretical perspectives in the study of personality

 

2. Individual differences

 

2.1. Individual differences in cognitive field

2.1.1. Cognitive styles centred on cognition

2.1.2. Cognitive styles centred on personality

2.1.3. Cognitive styles centred on activity

 

2.2. Individual differences in circadian rhythms

2.2.1. Biological rhythms

2.2.2 Regulation of sleep–wake rhythm

2.2.3. Circadian typology: individual and personality differences

2.2.4. Examples of conflicting clocks

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

Carver CS, Scheier MF, Giampietro M, Iannello P. (2023). Psicologia della personalità. Prospettive teoriche, strumenti e contesti applicativi. Terza edizione. Milano: Pearson.

Cadamuro A. (2004). Stili cognitivi e stili di apprendimento. Da quello che pensi a come lo pensi. Roma: Carocci editore. Chapter 2.

Ficca G, Fabbri M. (Eds.) (2019). Psicologia del sonno. Santarcangelo di Romagna (RN): Maggioli Editore. Chapter 2, paragraphs 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3. Chapter 13, paragraphs 13.2.5, 13.2.6, and 13.2.7.

Teaching methods

Traditional lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and seminars by experts.

Assessment methods

- The learning will be assessed through an oral examination. Two questions will be asked, aimed to verify the learning outcomes.

- One question for each subject matter, as outlined within the section Course contents, will be asked.

- Each answer will receive a score ranging between 0 and 5, based on the following criteria:

  • 0: answer not given or completely wrong.
  • 1-2: answer characterized by the presence of both correct and wrong parts, poor completeness, explanatory clarity, ability of critical re-elaboration of learned material and ability to establish connections between the different course contents.
  • 3-4: correct answer, characterized by sufficient/good completeness, explanatory clarity, ability of critical re-elaboration of learned material and ability to establish connections between the different course contents.
  • 5: correct answer, characterized by excellent completeness, explanatory clarity, ability of critical re-elaboration of learned material and ability to establish connections between the different course contents.

- The final grade will be the result of the sum of the scores assigned to each answer, multiplied by 3. The minimum performance to overcome the oral examination is to get a final grade of at least 18/30. Honors will be awarded if a complete mastery of the subject matter will be shown with reference to each answer.

- During oral examination tools as calculators and dictionaries are not allowed.

- The registration to the oral examination should take place through the university application AlmaEsami, observing the expected deadlines.

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PC, projector.

Office hours

See the website of Lorenzo Tonetti

SDGs

Good health and well-being Gender equality

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.