Course

Unit 1

Foundations of Personality 

Definition, scope, and historical development. Personality as a psychological construct. Methods of personality research: correlational, experimental, and case studies. Measurement of personality: psychometrics and test construction basics. Beginner digital psychometrics tools (PsyToolkit, R beginner packages) for understanding test reliability and scoring.

Unit 2

Major Theories of Personality

Psychodynamic theories (Classical, Neo-Freudians and Post-Freudians): Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler and more. Humanistic theories: Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow. Trait theories: Gordon Allport, Raymond Cattell, Hans Eysenck, Big Five Model. Behavioural and social-cognitive theories: Albert Bandura, Walter Mischel, Eric Berne. Online interactive simulations and digital case studies to explore different personality models in applied contexts.

Unit 3

Personality Development and Stability

Personality across the lifespan. Genetic and environmental influences on personality. Culture and personality. family, and socialization. Personality consistency and change over time. Use Google Sheets or Excel to track and visualise personality trait data across age groups or populations.

Unit 4

Biological and Social Bases of Personality

Neurobiological correlates of personality. Temperament and genetic predispositions. Social and contextual influences. Personality and mental health: vulnerabilities and resilience. Digital collaboration platforms (e.g., Miro, Google Docs) for group research and case-study analysis of biological and social influences.

Unit 5

Applications and Critical Perspectives

Personality assessment in clinical and organisational settings. Personality and work: personnel development and job performance. Personality-based interventions and counselling. Critical reflection on cultural and ethical considerations in personality theory and assessment. Personality assessment tools, survey creation (Google Forms, Microsoft Forms), and beginner-level reporting and visualisation software (Excel, Jamovi) for applied exercises.

Text Books / References

Textbooks

1. Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2019). Personality: Theory and research (14th ed.). Wiley.
2. Funder, D. C. (2019). The personality puzzle (8th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.
3. Larsen, R. J., & Buss, D. M. (2020). Personality psychology: Domains of knowledge about human nature (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
4. McAdams, D. P. (2017). The art and science of personality development. Guilford Press.
5. Roberts, B. W., & Mroczek, D. (2008). Personality traits change in adulthood. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 17(1), 31–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2008.00543.x

Suggested Readings

1. American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
2. Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (2017). Perspectives on personality (8th ed.). Pearson.
3. Ryckman, R. M. (2013). Theories of personality (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to personality structure, examining both differences between individuals (interindividual) and variations within a single person (intraindividual) in behaviour and mental processes. Students will engage with foundational concepts such as traits, motivation, and self-concept, and will study major theories including psychodynamic, behavioural, humanistic, trait, and social-cognitive perspectives. The curriculum covers empirical research and methodological approaches, equipping students with tools to investigate personality scientifically. Biological influences such as genetics and brain structure, psychological factors such as cognition and emotion, and social elements such as culture and relationships are explored to understand their impact on personality formation and expression. The course traces personality development and stability across the lifespan, highlighting how personality evolves from childhood through adulthood. Practical applications are addressed, with examples from clinical settings, personnel development, and interventions aimed at fostering positive change. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis and research skills, encouraging students to evaluate theoretical perspectives and formulate research questions. Through this approach, learners will develop a robust understanding of personality structure, preparing them to apply these insights in real-world contexts and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Course Objectives

• To introduce students to foundational concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings in personality structure.
• To examine and compare major theories of personality and their implications for assessment and research.
• To explore biological, psychological, and social determinants of personality development and individual differences.
• To foster critical thinking about the relevance and application of personality theories in applied settings.
• To develop students’ ability to analyse, evaluate, and present personality research with clarity and rigour.
• To integrate beginner-friendly digital tools for personality assessment, data visualisation, and collaborative research.

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Demonstrate understanding of the core concepts and historical development of personality.
• CO2: Critically compare and contrast major theories of personality and their underlying assumptions.
• CO3: Analyse how personality traits and individual differences influence behaviour, motivation, and psychological functioning.
• CO4: Apply personality theories and assessment methods to real-world settings such as counselling and organisational development.
• CO5: Formulate research questions based on personality theories and evaluate relevant scientific literature.

CO-PO Mapping