PYB309 Week 1 Notes

Good Science in Psychology:

  • Foundation of modern psychology.

  • Differentiate between misinformation (unintentional) and disinformation (intentional).

Core Principles of Science:

  • Theory-driven (vs. opinions and anecdotes).

  • Hypothesis-driven inquiry (vs. fishing for insights).

  • Valid and reliable measurement based on research.

  • Evidence-based conclusions.

  • Ethical research (socially just, does no harm, makes a difference).

Unit Structure:

  • Each week:

    • Theory (kick-off).

    • Assessment (mid-game).

    • Application (cases/mental health challenges).

Lecture Process:

  • Assessment theory (kick-off).

  • Assessment tools from empirical literature.

  • Introduction of psychometric ideas gradually.

  • Psychometrics introduced where they suit different theories.

  • Application sprinkled throughout.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand major theories of personality and individual differences.

  • Relate theories to assessment tools and methods.

  • Understand and apply validity and reliability concepts to assessment tool choices.

  • Apply psychometric principles to real-world cases.

  • Develop professional written communication skills.

Approach to Teaching and Learning:

  • Two-hour interactive class.

  • Four basic frameworks.

  • Cases/examples for illustration.

  • Application to interpersonal relationships, clinical work, workplace and people management.

  • Skills for choosing/developing assessment tools.

  • F2F versus livestreaming with Q&A.

Tutorials:

  • Collaborative, practical, and student-centered.

  • Five tutorials (starting next week; check syllabus for dates).

  • Important for assessment; translate lecture content.

  • Interactive and applied.

  • Online tutorials via Zoom within CANVAS.

  • Sessions available 15 minutes before start.

  • Attend allocated tutorial only.

  • Emphasis on integrity, respect, care, politeness.

Resources and Assessable Content:

  • Reading: Empirical papers (focus on theoretically driven assessment).

  • Skip detailed statistical testing and analysis in readings.

  • Conceptual understanding of statistical methods will be covered.

  • Lecture and tutorial slide decks finalized a day before (see 'Modules').

  • Content from lectures, tutorials, and prescribed readings are assessable in the final exam.

  • Recommended text: Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2019). Personality Theory and Research – Australia and New Zealand Edition (14th Edition). Wiley.

Case Assessment Plan (CAP):

  • Part 1: Presenting Problem.

  • Part 2: Formulation (theoretically driven account; cognitive behavioral perspective).

    • Predisposing, precipitating, perpetuating, and protective factors.

  • Part 3: Assessment Plan.

    • Tools that stem from your formulation.

    • Balanced reviews of empirical literature on reliability and validity.

    • No interviews or outdated measures.

    • Relevant, recent, and high-quality papers.

  • Part 4: Reflections on ethical issues and limitations of your CAP.

  • Example CAP is available in Assessment Module.

    • Note: Task requirements may differ from the example; follow task sheet closely.

Key Areas for CAP:

  • Exercise judgment in word allocation for sections.

  • Present from a uniform theoretical framework.

  • Use relevant terms; avoid mixing frameworks.

  • Measures/methods.

    • Briefly describe the measures (refer to Guidelines).

    • Focus on evaluating validity and reliability and explaining your choices.

  • Present as a professional document for a counselor.

  • Do not address therapy/intervention.

Top Suggestions for Writing CAP:

  • Sections should connect logically.

  • Relate writing to the case.

  • Use definitions precisely and briefly.

  • Avoid colloquial, emotive, or judgmental language.

  • Avoid absolutisms (“must,” “have to”).

  • Be evaluative and theme-oriented; stay evidence-based.

  • No quotations.

  • Avoid opinions and sweeping statements.

  • Be measured and professional.

  • Start early.

CAP and Generative AI:

  • Use of generative AI tools is prohibited EXCEPT for correcting spelling and grammar, applying the prompt: “Fix grammar and spelling without changing the language choices”.

  • It is recommended to also ask Gen AI to "Summarise what grammar and spelling was changed” so that you can reflect on the improvements made to your writing.

  • Unauthorized use may be treated as a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Quizzes on Essential Readings:

  • Short and not assessable.

  • Complete before tutorials.

  • Read assigned parts of the paper.

  • Attempt the quiz; refer back to the paper if unsure.

  • Bring a hard copy of the paper to the tutorial.

Final Exam:

  • Based on all lectures, prescribed readings, and tutorials.

  • 55-60 multiple-choice questions and three short answer questions.

  • Weight: 60%

  • Internal, individual assessment.

  • Central Exam Period.

Other Notes:

  • Lecture recordings are sometimes unreliable.

  • Pay attention to academic integrity.

  • Extensions and late work penalties apply.

Personality and Individual Differences:

  • Examples given such as Marie Curie and Ash Barty

What is Personality?

  • Stable and coherent individual differences

  • Why do people react so differently to the same event?

  • What do we need to know about a person to predict what they will think and feel?

Theoretical Positions:

  • Reflections from different theoretical positions on thinking, feeling, and acting.

Personality Definition:

  • Complex organization of cognitions, affects, and behaviors that gives direction and pattern to a person's life.

The Value of Evidence-Based Science:

  • Of historical interest as examples of non-evidence based science:

    • Physiognomy: Inner character judged by appearance.

    • Phrenology: Reading bumps on the head to determine character.

Recurring Philosophical Questions:

  • Free will versus determinism.

  • Objective versus subjective.

  • Person versus situation.

  • Human nature versus individuality.

Objective vs. Subjective:

  • Continuum ranging from objective to subjective perspectives.

Behavioural Approaches:

  • Determinist, objective, situation-focused, and individually focused.

  • Applies principles of learning to human behavior.

  • Focus on observable and measurable aspects.

  • Avoid subjective constructs.

Readings/Tasks for Next Week:

  • Consider observable and measurable aspects of the case study.

  • Define the person’s problem/challenge reliably.

  • Review the YouTube video of “Cameron” (Module Week 2 tab).