Personality Theory and Assessment

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/P_BPEROND

Course Objective

The goal of the course Personality Theory and Assessment is to introduce students to various personality theories and associated diagnostic methods.

Course Content

During the lectures an overview is given of the theoretical models that are used to study individual differences. The methods and techniques for measuring the personality characteristics associated with these models are presented. The practical aspects of these methods and techniques are discussed in the tutorial groups. At the end of the course: Students have gained knowledge of the most important personality models and concepts.Students can apply and discuss knowledge about the most important personality models.Students are familiar with standardized personality questionnaires, and are therefore able to:
- Reason about the use of personality questionnaires
- Interpret scores and outcomes of questionnairesStudents can write a report based on collected information (about the personality of a fellow student) in a scientific way.Students can recognize and apply methodological concepts in practice, such as reliability and validity.

Teaching Methods

Lectures and tutorial groups Contact hours: 168 (24 hours of lectures, 12 hours of tutorial groups, 132 hours of self-study)

Method of Assessment

Multiple-choice exam (50%) + final assignment assignment (50%). Both grades need to be at least 5.5.Attendance requirement for the tutorial groups.If the attendance requirement is not met, the tutorial groups must be followed again and a new assignment must be submitted.

Literature

Michael C. Ashton (2022). Individual Differences and Personality. Academic Press

Custom Course Registration

Students need to sign in for the course, lectures, tutorial group, and exam via VUnet. For students from the Premaster class (PMC) Educational Sciences following this course, an adjusted programme applies. These students only follow the lectures, not the tutorial groups. The PMC students must register at the study administration using a separate course code, namely P_PPERSON and they will receive 3 EC upon successful completion of the course.

Additional Information

This course is a prerequisite for NVO registration. Lectures in English, tutorial groups in English or Dutch depending on chosen study track.