GRA 2203 Psychological Measurement and Individual Differences

GRA 2203 Psychological Measurement and Individual Differences

Course code: 
GRA 2203
Department: 
Leadership and Organizational Behaviour
Credits: 
6
Course coordinator: 
Hallvard Føllesdal
Course name in Norwegian: 
Psychological Measurement and Individual Differences
Product category: 
Master
Portfolio: 
MSc in Leadership and Organisational Psychology
Semester: 
2022 Autumn
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Master
Teaching language: 
English
Course type: 
One semester
Introduction

The study of the individual is the cornerstone of psychology. Despite an increasing focus on the dynamics of groups, teams and organizations in research, the emphasis on the individual remains. In order to understand individual differences or the individual as part of a system, it is necessary to have extensive knowledge of individual characteristics as reflected in theories of personality, intelligence, creativity, styles and other attributes. Such theories may explain important work behavior necessary to develop sustainable organizations, e.g., achievement, collaboration efforts, competition, and productivity.  Such knowledge generally represents the foundation for recruitment, personal development programs, and team composition. Characteristics of measurement and statistical analyses are also of central importance in this field.

Learning outcomes - Knowledge

The candidate

  • has advanced knowledge about the most relevant theories, concepts, and methods for measuring individual differences at work, which is important in creating sustainable organizations in an international environment.
  • knows how to assess the validity and reliability of scores from psychological assessments, based both on pen-and-paper and digital platforms.
  • is familiar with some of the major psychological tests measuring individual differences.
Learning outcomes - Skills

The candidate

  • can develop a valid measure of individual differences.
  • can assess the quality of scores from psychological tests.
  • can interpret and give feedback on scores from a test measuring individual differences.
General Competence

The candidate

  • can identify, communicate, and discuss strengths and weaknesses of psychological assessments in general
  • can be concerned about the quality of psychological assessments
  • knows the basics of how to use psychological tests in an ethical and responsible way.
Course content
  • Theory and measurement of individual differences and psychological constructs like personality, intelligence, personality disorders, and affective well-being.
  • Questionnaire development, and important concepts for assessing the quality of scores
  • Statistical methods to assess psychometric properties of scores from psychological tests
  • Interpreting and providing feedback on scores from psychological tests
  • The role of individual differences in the workplace
Teaching and learning activities

The course is structured as a combination of lectures, discussions, and in-class activities. It requires substantial amount of preparation by the students and active involvement during class. 

Software tools
No specified computer-based tools are required.
Additional information

Please note that while attendance is not compulsory in all courses, it is the student’s own responsibility to obtain any information provided in class.

Qualifications

All courses in the Masters programme will assume that students have fulfilled the admission requirements for the programme. In addition, courses in second, third and/or fourth semester can have specific prerequisites and will assume that students have followed normal study progression. For double degree and exchange students, please note that equivalent courses are accepted.

Disclaimer

Deviations in teaching and exams may occur if external conditions or unforeseen events call for this.

Assessments
Assessments
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Written submission
Invigilation
Weight: 
100
Grouping: 
Individual
Support materials: 
  • Bilingual dictionary
Duration: 
3 Hour(s)
Comment: 
Written examination under supervision.
Exam code: 
GRA22032
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Resit: 
Examination when next scheduled course
Type of Assessment: 
Ordinary examination
Total weight: 
100
Student workload
ActivityDurationComment
Teaching
36 Hour(s)
Student's own work with learning resources
124 Hour(s)
Sum workload: 
160

A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 6 ECTS credits corresponds to a workload of at least 160 hours.